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ManagementAaron Hasenei
Ph.D. Student - James Cook University, MSc - Marine Biology - Nova Southeastern University, BSc - Biology - Towson University
James Cook University, Townsville
From 2005 to 2022, the main node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies was headquartered at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland (Australia)
Ph.D. Student - James Cook University, MSc - Marine Biology - Nova Southeastern University, BSc - Biology - Towson University
James Cook University, Townsville
Growing up in a quiet, rural, small town in central Maryland along the Atlantic coast of the United States, I’ve always had an intimate connection with the natural world and the wonders throughout. There wasn’t much in terms of neighborhood kids around to befriend where I lived, but there was a vast richness of forest, streams, and rivers to adventure and explore. Here, on the other side of the world in Queensland, Australia, I can’t help but reflect and feel nothing but appreciation and gratitude for where I am now, where I came from, and the journey I took to get here.
My current studies are within the field of conservation physiology of elasmobranch fishes working as a PhD student under the guidance of Prof. Jodie Rummer. Our hope is to pioneer a study of the first of its kind elucidating the genetic mechanisms driving adaptation capacity that underpin key physiological performance metrics of the epaulette shark in response to ocean warming. Specifically, I plan to examine intraspecific patterns in gene expression changes from latitudinally distinct populations of this species throughout the GBR when exposed to elevated temperatures consistent with end of the century anthropogenic climate change. Ultimately, findings from this research will establish a comparative baseline to identify thermally resilient vs. sensitive species to enhance conservation management of these vulnerable but critical group of animals.
New DNA techniques are being used to understand how coral reacted to the end of the last ice age in order to better predict how they will cope with current changes to the climate. James Cook Univer
A new study on the effects of climate change in five tropical countries has found fisheries are in more trouble than agriculture, and poor people are in the most danger. Distinguished Profess
James Cook University researchers have found brightly coloured fish are becoming increasingly rare as coral declines, with the phenomenon likely to get worse in the future. Christopher Hemingson, a
Researchers working with stakeholders in the Great Barrier Reef region have come up with ideas on how groups responsible for looking after the reef can operate more effectively when the next bleaching
Abstract: As marine species adapt to climate change, their heat tolerance will likely be under strong selection. Individual variation in heat tolerance and its heritability underpin the potential fo
Abstract: The Reef Ecology Lab in KAUST’s Red Sea Research Center explores many aspects of movement ecology of marine organisms, ranging from adult migrations to intergenerational larval dispersal
Abstract: Macroalgal meadows are a prominent, yet often maligned component of the tropical seascape. Our work at Ningaloo reef in WA demonstrate that canopy forming macroalgae provide habitat for ad
Abstract: Sharks are generally perceived as strong and fearsome animals. With fossils dating back at least 420 million years, sharks are not only majestic top predators but they also outlived dinosa
Abstract: Connectivity plays a vital role in many ecosystems through its effects on fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes. Its consequences for populations and metapopulations have been
Abstract: Evolution of many eukaryotic organisms is affected by interactions with microbes. Microbial symbioses can ultimately reflect host’s diet, habitat range, and even body shape. However, how
Abstract: The past few years have seen unprecedented coral bleaching and mortality on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) but the consequences of this on biodiversity are not yet known. This talk will expl
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