Researchers

Bio

My research is focused on the effects of cold shocks on food-consumption rates and activity levels of the green clinging crab, >Mithraculus sculptusM. sculptus act as grazers and scavengers on corals reefs and help control algae cover on the reef.  With climate change, the Jet stream has begun to dip into lower latitudes than its traditional path.  These lower variations in the trajectory of the Jet stream have created colder than normal temperatures in Florida.  Using recorded, Jet-stream related cold snap events as models, I will be mimicking these temperature drops in a controlled environment. I will also be measuring M. sculptus’ consumption rates and activity levels during the cold shocks.  Hopefully this research will give a better insight into how climate change is affecting algae control on coral reefs in Florida and the Caribbean.