Taking notes on sample collections in Mo'orea, August 2019
My research interests focus on the molecular ecology of marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. Within my research, I identify microbial (eukaryotic, prokaryotic and viral) mechanisms that contribute to coral resilience, and thereby, to reef conservation. My main goal is to elucidate microbial influences that shape coral reef health, thereby building a holistic understanding of how interactions between animals and microorganisms contribute to ecosystem resilience. I think that we can only truly understand ecosystem change if we look at the sum of all parts and not just individual aspects. I currently work mostly at the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site in Mo'orea, French Polynesia, but I also collaborate on projects in the Gulf of Mexico, foremostly in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. I have previously conducted research on the ecology of corals and their symbiotic microorganisms in Thailand, Spain, Curacao and Saudi Arabia.
Current projects
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Dispersal of microbial symbionts by predators
A speckled butterflyfish (Chaetodon citrinellus) browsing in a stand of branching coral (Acropora muricata)
For part of my dissertation work, I am characterizing the dispersal of symbiotic microorganisms by coral predators (corallivores) such as butterflyfishes and parrotfishes. Specifically, I am quantifying the density and diversity of coral photosymbionts in the feces of corallivorous fish. By combining this with data on corallivore defecation behavior, I am able to quantify the exact contribution of corallivores to symbiont dispersal. 
Cultures of coral photosymbionts isolated from fecal samples of coral predators.
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Dynamics of RNA viruses infecting eukaryotic symbionts
A snorkler from OSU samples a colony of Porites lobata so that we can characterize its community of viruses
One part of my dissertation focuses on describing the dynamics of RNA viruses infecting photosymbiont communities associated with corals. I am combining tank experiments with large-scale repeated sampling of coral colonies to identify how RNA virus communities are linked to coral health and resilience to stress. By studying RNA virus communities across species of coral with different ecologies, I aim to increase our understanding of the role of viruses in shaping host phenotypes. 
Viral pellets from environmental samples acquired using centrifugation with Polyethylene glycol
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Community structure of animal-associated microorganisms
A coral species (Oculina patagonica) that is invasive in the relatively cold waters Along the Mediterranean coast of Spain
I am interested in how communities of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microrganisms can help animal hosts acclimatize to changing environments. By combining tank-based experiments with in-situ transplantation experiments and sampling across natural or man-made environmental gradients, I aim to elucidate how patterns of microbial community structure contribute to host health and decline. 
A schematic illustrating a reciprocal transplantation experiment with two coral species
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