Team Leader
Daniela Ruiz
Texas A&M University
Genetics and Genomics
druiz12@tamu.edu
Project Type
Research
Who Can Join
Undergraduate Students
Project Description
Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion while supporting tourism, jobs, and fisheries for millions. They have also contributed to the development of treatments for diseases like cancer, arthritis, and infections. However, ocean warming is driving coral bleaching, where corals expel their symbiotic algae (Symbiodiniaceae), leading to energy loss and starvation. Despite many hypotheses, the molecular basis of coral–algae symbiosis remains unclear due to environmental variability and biological complexity. We aim to understand coral bleaching and restore coral through surface-modification of algae cells.
Team Needs
Can adapt to different techniques and motivated to work in a research lab
Both engineering or biology backgrounds would be preferred, but not required.
If this is your first time participating in a research project that is perfectly okay!
Excited and eager to learn.
Special Opportunities
Work in a research lab where you will be able to network!
Offering a collaborative environment where you will be able to learn different projects.
Obtain critical thinking skills.