Lab PI:
Ass. Research Professor Jacob L Johansen Lab location: Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), University of Hawaii, Manoa, USA Expertise: Originally from Northern Europe (Denmark) Jacob spent the past 20 years working all over the globe from Australia, South America, Middle East, Europe, Austral-Asia to USA. With a strong background in eco-physiology and behavioral ecology, Jacob's research focuses on how tropical coral reef organisms react and adapt to natural and human-induced environmental stress. Core strengths in research and student training include coral reef ecology, environmental stress responses, physiological tolerance, movement patterns and behavioral ecology of fishes. Research topics include species habitat selection, range-shift, habitat invasions, and the capacity of fishes to mitigate ongoing stressors using a combination of field and state-of-the-art laboratory techniques to quantify impacts of disturbances on ecosystem health and resilience, and provide practical solutions to policymakers, communities and industries. Laboratory Manager: Current lab manager: TBD Previous lab managers: Mathias Soerensen, 2019-2020. Leon Tran, 2020-2020 Current Postdoctoral Research Fellows: Dr. Jeroen Brijs Research topic: The effects of environmental heat waves on feeding behavior and energetics of coral reef fishes Location: HIMB, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA Biography: I have a broad-ranging interest in comparative ecophysiology with a particular focus on the effects of environmental and/or anthropogenic stressors on behavioral and physiological processes in fish, and how this impacts their survival, performance and welfare. Here, in Hawaii, I am especially interested in how environmental heat waves impact the behavior and physiology of both herbivorous and piscivorous coral reef fishes when feeding, which of course, is a process that is crucial for survival. This research will provide crucial information on how coral reef fish communities will fare in response to these drastic environmental events that are already happening today, and are unfortunately predicted to become more frequent and intense in the future. Professional links: ResearchGate Current graduate students: M.Sc: Leon Tran (NSF GRFP fellow) Research topic: Consequences of environmental stress on fish reproduction Location: HIMB, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA Biography: I am broadly interested in the effects of climate change on the physiological performance of marine fishes. Specifically, I am interested in how thermal and oxygen stress may impact the reproductive performance of economically important fish species. I hope to apply my research to inform adaptive fisheries management under future climate change. I am also interested in exploring the role of adaptive fisheries management in preserving important bio-cultural resources. Ph.D: Mathias Soerensen Research topic: Resilience of coral reef fishes to terrigenous run-off Location: HIMB, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA Biography: Mathias recently finished his M.Sc. in marine science from Hawaii Pacific University where he researched "Swimming modes and morphological attribute of coral reef fishes". Current mentoring / co-supervision: Ph.D: Alexis Khursigara Research topic: Effect of oil pollution on estuarine and marine fishes Location: University of Texas at Austin, USA Ph.D: Grace Vaughan Research topic: Adaptation and acclimation of coral reef fishes to extreme thermal conditions in the Arabian Gulf Location: New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE Past members / completed: Ph.D: Tiffany Nay Research topic: Habitat preference and movement patterns of coral reef fishes Location: ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Australia M.Sc: Tiffany Nay Research topic: Behavioural thermo-regulation by coral reef fishes Location: James Cook University, Australia M.Sc: Adam Harbary Research topic: Thermal preference and acclimation capacity of coral reef fishes Location: University of Copenhagen, Denmark Present position: Research technician at Lion Pharmaceuticals , Denmark M.Sc: Conner Gervais Research topic: Juvenile epaulette sharks, Hemiscyllium ocellatum, and predicted future ocean temperatures Location: James Cook University, Australia Present position: Ph.D. student at Macquarie University, Australia NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates: Lauren Rowsey Research topic: Oil exposure impacts on predator-prey dynamics in larval fishes Location: University of Texas at Austin, USA Present position: Ph.D. student at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada |