Coral reefs flourish throughout the tropical seas of the world thanks to the symbiotic relationship between reef-building corals and their microalgal partner, Symbiodinium. These microalgae photosynthesize in the tissues of their coral host and provide essential nutrients that are limited in nutrient-poor tropical waters. In this way Symbiodinium fuels the high growth rate of corals and underpins the very existence of coral reef ecosystems.

A fragment of Montastraea franksi used in experimental exposures to stressors such as copper contamination and elevated temperature.

Unfortunately both Symbiodinium and the coral host are sensitive to environmental change. Climate change-related temperature fluctuations and pollution impair symbiotic function and can ultimately lead to a breakdown of the symbiotic relationship and 'coral bleaching'.

Our research interests include fundamental aspects of the symbiosis, particularly photosynthesis and nutritional interactions. Current work is focused on establishing changes in stress responsive genes in the coral host and the development of molecular tools for detecting early warning signals of coral stress that occur before physiological decline and mortality.

This work is conducted in collaboration with the BIOS Marine Environmental Program.

FACULTY CONTACTS:

GRADUATE INTERNS:

Jennifer Quinn
Nicola Francis

COLLABORATORS:

Dr. Mike Morgan, Berry College
Dr. Jodi Schwartz, Vassar College
Dr. Carys Mitchelmore, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory