Event Date
Madeleine van Oppen
Professor, Australian Institute of Marine Science
Professor Madeleine van Oppen is a world-leading marine molecular ecologist recognized for pioneering the field of assisted evolution of corals, a transformative approach aimed at enhancing coral resilience to climate change-driven heatwaves and bleaching events. Her research focuses on microbial symbioses, coral adaptation, and reef restoration, with innovations in bioengineering techniques that accelerate coral acclimatization and adaptation. Van Oppen's work has been pivotal in shaping global coral conservation efforts and is widely used by research institutions worldwide. She holds a dual appointment as a Senior Principal Research Scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science and Chair in Marine Biology at the University of Melbourne. Her research has led to over 260 peer-reviewed publications and continues to explore synthetic biology, selective breeding, and microbial manipulation to develop climate-resilient coral stocks for future ocean conditions.
Microbes: The Unseen Players on Coral Reefs
This lecture provides an overview of the primary roles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes on coral reefs, with a specific focus on coral-associated microbes. It highlights examples from the van Oppen's research, as well as work from others, illustrating how microbes influence the coral phenotype and its capacity to adapt to environmental changes.
Location - Hybrid Format:
- In person: Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) Ballroom
- Virtual: Zoom information will be provided to registrants
Registration:
- This event is free to attend. Registration is required for Zoom access.
Agenda:
- 4:00pm - doors open
- 4:10pm - introductory remarks
- 4:15pm - talk begins
About the Series:
The Tracy and Ruth Storer Lectureship in the Life Sciences is the most prestigious of the endowed seminars at UC Davis. Established in 1960, the Storer Endowment makes it is possible to invite distinguished biological scientists to campus to present two lectures and meet with faculty members and graduate students in their field of interest. The series is presented by the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences.