The Coral-Reef Algae Lab is a multidisciplinary research lab that is determined to answer key questions relating to physiological, biogeochemical ecological coral-algae dynamics. These research topics incorporate intensive field and lab-based experiments which require volunteer assistance, providing opportunities to gain valuable experience. The lab has hosted interns and volunteers from France (Marine Coudauron-Reale), United States (Gordon Ober) and Spain (Macarena Herrero). Tasks include, for example:
Field
- Scientific boating and diving
- Monitoring benthic community changes (primarily coral and algae identification)
- Helping in manipulative experiments (e.g. CO2, nutrients, herbivory, competition)
- Quantifying coral and algal recruitment using settlement plates
Lab
- Aquaria setup and maintenance
- Processing of samples under the microscopy
- Work on histological and SEM
- Identification of macroalgae; herbarium maintenance
So if you are interested in collaborating, joining or volunteering our lab then please don’t hesitate to contact Pat – p.gartrell@griffith.edu.au.
