Halmos’ ShutterShark Contest Showcases Photographic Talent

When touring Nova Southeastern University’s Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center (OC) in Dania Beach, you’ll see hallways adorned with impressive photography. This visual collection is courtesy of students from the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, who over the past 17 years have had their works displayed as winners of the ShutterShark student photography contest.

The competition was created and organized by graduate students at the OC in 2008. Its goal is to provide a way for students to become more involved in the college community through an artistic outlet that incorporates marine research and appreciation of the underwater world. Since its inception, the contest has evolved to include additional categories beyond marine life.

Among this year’s judges was the OC’s namesake Guy Harvey, who served for the first time. Also judging was alum Shane Wever, a former researcher at NSU, and Tanner Manzell, a shark-diving photographer.

Michelle Mair, student activities director for the college, has been organizing the contest for the past two years. She says having Guy Harvey judge the competition has been a defining moment for ShutterShark.

“Dr. Guy Harvey is an esteemed scientist and artist, and his role as a judge in this contest means so much,” she said. “I think it encouraged greater participation from our students and definitely contributed to the ‘wow factor’ of ShutterShark.”

The competition awards first, second, and third places in the categories of marine life, terrestrial life, anthropogenic impacts and conservation, anyscapes, culture (a new category), and alumni. There also is a people’s choice winner and overall winner of the contest.

There were 45 participants and 172 submissions to ShutterShark this year, with the categories of anyscapes and marine life drawing the most submissions. Photos were taken around from the world, including Colombia, Italy, Ecuador, and Mexico.

Alexander “Sasha” Wheeler, a Halmos graduate research associate working on his doctorate degree, has helped plan the competition over the past couple years. He submitted his first ShutterShark photo in 2023 but has yet to win. Regardless, he said, the contest greatly enhances student experiences.

“I believe it connects students to others within our college, from students in various departments and programs, to the staff, and all the way up to the dean,” he said. “I’ve personally overheard students comparing photographs in the student lounge ahead of the ceremony, comparing techniques and sharing the stories behind their shots.”

2025 SHUTTERSHARK WINNERS

Overall Winner

• Manuel Ploner

People’s Choice

• Robby Spekis

Marine Life

• 1^st place: Nicholas Burchett
• 2^nd place: Savanna Steinbacher
• 3^rd place: Nicholas Burchett

Terrestrial Life

• 1^st place: Aidan Michael Casey
• 2^nd place: Ryan Robison
• 3^rd place: Sofia Ibarra

Anyscapes

• 1^st place: Marina Garmendia
• 2^nd place: Marina Garmendia
• 3^rd place: Michelle Mair

Anthropogenic Impacts and Conservation

• 1^st place: Sierra Rafacz
• 2^nd place: Austin Blakeslee
• 3^rd place: Tristan Buckell

Culture

• 1^st place: Austin Blakeslee
• 2^nd place: Sarah Sargent
• 3^rd place: Michelle Mair

Alumni

• 1^st place: Andrew Kuntz
• 2^nd place: Abby Nease
• 3^rd place: Nicholas Jones