Coral reef ecosystems and the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity
- over 15 years of field experience

Current Research Projects

Coral Reef Resilience Network

This multi-site study investigates genetic and physiological factors enabling coral survival under climate stress across twenty reef systems. Our team collects coral fragments for genomic analysis, conducts controlled temperature experiments, and maintains long-term monitoring stations to identify resilient populations. The findings inform selective breeding programs for coral restoration initiatives and help identify priority areas for enhanced protection measures in a rapidly warming ocean.

Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Quantifying carbon sequestration rates in seagrass meadows and mangrove forests along the Pacific coast. We employ advanced soil coring techniques, drone mapping, and biogeochemical analysis to develop accurate carbon budgets for these critical ecosystems. This research supports blue carbon credit initiatives and provides scientific foundations for nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation.

eDNA Biomonitoring

This cutting-edge research employs environmental DNA extracted from seawater samples to track biodiversity changes in coastal ecosystems with unprecedented sensitivity. We are developing an automated sampling platform paired with rapid sequencing protocols that allow near real-time biodiversity assessment. This technology enables early detection of invasive species, monitoring of endangered marine life, and evaluation of restoration success without destructive sampling methods.

Teaching

I teach undergraduate and graduate courses in:

- Marine Ecology

- Conservation Biology

- Molecular Ecology

I welcome inquiries from graduate students and postdoctoral researchers interested in joining my projects.

Contact