I began my research career studying coral diseases that affect reef-building corals in the Pacific and the pathogenic bacteria responsible for them. After graduate school, I worked on developing probiotics that could help the shellfish industry reduce economic losses from disease outbreaks or poor larval growth. Currently, I am investigating the stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) outbreak that is devastating the Florida coral reef tract. Specifically, I am working on identifying the etiological agent(s) responsible for SCTLD as well as trying to develop probiotic treatments that can treat diseased corals or protect healthy corals held in captivity. Additionally, I help to care for the healthy coral colonies being housed at the Smithsonian Marine Station. Eventually, I would like to pursue a career in research and develop a research program focused on bacterial pathogens that infect marine invertebrates.
Education
Ph.D. in Microbiology (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)
Bachelor of Science in Biology (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)
Research Interests
The molecular pathogenesis of bacteria that infect marine organisms and probiotics capable of treating or preventing disease.
