For information about my previous experience, visit my CV here.

Northern Palau Patch Reef. Nia Walker, July 2018

Coral Thermal Resilience 

Corals exhibit variable heat resistance, which has been captured between and within species. Currently, I am studying adaptation and acclimation in Acropora hyacinthus in Palau's patch and fore reefs. This work uses genomics to identify differential thermal resilience profiles across individuals. 

photo credit: Journey to the South Pacific

Coral Population Genetics

Population genetic structure can inform us about gene flow, dispersal, and potential for adaptation and differentiation. Currently, I am studying population genetics of genes linked to thermal resilience in Acropora hyacinthus colonies across Indo-Pacific archipelagos. ​​

photo credit: Simon Donner, Fiji

Coral Bleaching Recovery

It is predicted that global coral bleaching events will continue to increase in frequency and intensity in the coming years. While some corals experience bleaching, a percentage are able to recover. I am interested in studying bleaching recovery capacity from the physiological, genetics, and genomics perspectives.

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