Coastal wetlands around the U.S. are vulnerable to rising sea levels and increasing levels of salt. The health of many freshwater ecosystems is being impacted by changes in freshwater supply, especially in the Florida Everglades. In this special National Black History Month edition of “The Discovery Files,” we focus on Dr. Sparkle Malone, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Science, Florida International University. Dr. Malone is taking measurements to assess how changes in salt levels affect a plant’s ability to use sunlight to make food, and how the response of specific species to increased salt impacts vegetation cover. Learn more on NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”