Ben Berman

Education

BSc. (Hons) - Biology (Major) and Classical Studies (Minor), Queen's University, Canada.

Master's Research

I am interested in investigating the rehabilitation and remediation of coral reefs through key symbiotic interactions with important microbes, such as the algae that provide corals with the majority of their needed energy through photosynthesis. With the dramatic rise in ocean temperatures, coral reefs are facing life threatening pressures, and these microbial species that usually support corals are unable to do so in these conditions. The results from my research will hopefully reveal notable underlying mechanisms of these coral and microbial relationships that can be efficiently maximized to enhance coral health and restore damaged/bleached coral reefs under these stressful circumstances.