[All-postdocs] Geodynamics Seminar - Colleen Hansel

[Ana M Velez]

Bio department seminar is combined with the Geodynamics series through May this year.

2023 Geodynamics Seminar
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Clark Lab 507, Quissett Campus, WHOI
1:30 - 2:30 P.M.

Dr. Colleen Hansel
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Identifying Chemical Controls and Signatures of Coral Reef Health
The physiology and health of corals are intimately tied to the concentration and flux of
chemicals within their tissues and in the surrounding waters. Reactive oxygen species
(ROS) are a group of oxygen intermediates that are tightly regulated by organisms as
they can be both essential and detrimental. Our research has highlighted the potential
role for the ROS hydrogen peroxide to serve as an indicator of stress within corals and
other reef organisms, such as macroalgae. While identifying early-stage diagnostics of
organismal health is critical for assessing and predicting reef health, chemicals may also
provide a means of preserving and restoring reefs. For instance, metal micronutrients
are essential for a suite of metalloenzymes and metabolic processes involved in growth
and immunity in coral reef organisms. Yet, corals often exist in oligotrophic regions
typified by low macro- and micro-nutrients. We are therefore researching the potential
to increase coral growth and resilience via metal micro-nutrient supplementation. We
are creating recruitment and growth substrates specifically formulated with mineral
mixtures that will release nutrients at optimal rates. We hope that by designing novel
monitoring tools and nature-inclusive substrates we can contribute to the protection
and restoration of coral reef ecosystems.

This is an in-person talk, but it will be recorded and made available on the Geodynamics website for later viewing. For more information on the series, please go to: https://geodynamicsprogram.whoi.edu/2023-program/

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