REEFS
Research
Group

CONTACT US

We study the ecology, functioning, and resilience of coral reef ecosystems to understand how climate change and human activities reshape reefs and develop science-based solutions to safeguard their future.

Scuba diver exploring a vibrant coral reef with a large fish in the foreground and smaller fish swimming above the coral.
An elderly man with gray hair kneels on a large pile of blue fishing nets, working with his hands to untangle or repair the nets.
Three men on a small boat in the open ocean. Two men are sitting, one is standing and taking a selfie. They wear sunglasses and black sleeveless shirts. The boat has a canopy, and there is diving gear and a backpack on board.

ABOUT US

Based at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the REEFS Research Group focuses on studying coral reef ecology, ecosystems and functions with an emphasis on human disturbance and climate change. Our approach is eclectic, ranging from mechanisms controlling the dynamics, functioning and resilience of coral reef ecosystems to functional traits and behavioral ecology.

We are all united by a single focus – to understand how coral reefs work and identify the critical roles of corals and fishes in coral reef ecosystems in order to develop novel solutions to better manage and conserve coral reefs for future generations.

O U R F O C U S

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are among the most
recognizable ecosystems on Earth,
Yet they face significant threats.

Globally, a billion people depend on coral reefs for food, livelihoods, and cultural identity, while their activities and decisions shape the health of reef ecosystems.

Sustaining these ecosystems and the communities that depend on them requires a deeper understanding of reef dynamics, equitable governance, and practical conservation solutions. Our group integrates expertise from the natural and social sciences to advance this understanding and develop innovative approaches to conserving coral reefs for future generations.

Underwater view of vibrant coral reef with tropical fish, and above water scene showing a tropical beach with dense green palm trees and a clear blue sky.

OUR RESEARCH

Our research combines basic and applied marine ecology to understand how coral reef ecosystems function and respond to natural processes and human pressures. We integrate established field and laboratory methods with emerging technologies to investigate ecological patterns and processes across scales, advancing scientific understanding and informing reef conservation and management.

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  • Two scuba divers exploring a vibrant coral reef under the water, with one diver reaching into a red mesh bag near the reef.
  • Underwater scene with sharks swimming above a coral reef and a school of fish in the background.
  • A diver in black diving gear, including gloves and a helmet, is underwater examining and recording data on a clipboard, surrounded by coral and marine life.
  • Underwater scene with colorful coral reef and various tropical fish, including blue tangs and yellow-tailed fish.
  • Colorful fish with orange, blue, and yellow stripes swimming near coral and rocks in an underwater scene.
  • A close-up of a small, dark-colored marine creature, possibly a frogfish or a similar species, camouflaged against a textured coral or sponge surface underwater.
  • A close-up of a horse-eye Jack fish with long snout and yellow accents, swimming in deep blue water.
  • Aerial view of lush green island surrounded by blue ocean with small sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.