The University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science will host the first of its Climate Café lecture series October 29, 2025, featuring three coral researchers talking about the latest efforts to restore these vital ecosystems. In November, the second event will offer a window into how deep sea fish help regulate the earth's carbon cycle.
The Climate Café lecture series is a free public program designed to share cutting-edge science with the South Florida community. Moderated by Jenny Staletovich, award-winning WLRN NPR environment reporter, both fall events offer a conversation-style program featuring Rosenstiel School faculty members and collaborators in an informal, interactive space where participants can engage with scientists, students, and stakeholders shaping the region's environmental future. Discussions highlight new research in climate and environmental science, and how these insights can guide resilience and restoration policy in South Florida and beyond.
The Future of Florida's Coral Reef: New Approaches for Rebuilding Resilience
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. reception, 4:30 p.m. program
Coral scientists from the Rosenstiel School and its NOAA Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) will discuss the latest coral restoration research strategies, which aim to protect Florida's iconic reefs from rising ocean temperatures, disease, and pollution. Researchers will describe how they created what they hope will be more heat resilient corals by cross-breeding Florida's elkhorn corals with elkhorns from Honduras. These "Flonduran" corals are being used in a world-first attempt to help boost the climate resilience of Florida reefs. Researchers will also discuss microbe-assisted coral rearing, and insights from "urban corals" thriving in extreme environments, like the Port of Miami.
Featured Speakers:
• Andrew Baker, director, Coral Reef Futures Lab; professor, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology
• Michael Studivan, associate scientist, University of Miami CIMAS, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Division
• Ana Palacio, associate scientist, University of Miami CIMAS, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division
