Announcing Dr. Laura Weber

Congratulations to Dr. Laura Weber, who successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis, “Characterizing the ecology of coral reef microorganisms across different scales within the Caribbean” on September 11. Laura was advised by Amy Apprill.

In her public defense, Laura showed results characterizing the microbial community composition in seawater surrounding reef-building corals. She compared microbial communities across reefs ranging from the Florida Keys to Cuba, and on small spatial scales (within a meter) near coral colonies. A particularly interesting set of results related to daily (night vs. day) cycles in microbial composition, as well as broader shifts in community composition over a three-day period. Laura’s presentation also featured spectacular illustrations that represented and helped to integrate the different components of her work.

We look forward to seeing the continued impact of this work and all of Laura’s future endeavors!