https://robintylersmith.com/home daily 0.75 2020-11-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552513392586-ZL3CSM7OQ452IUUQW2Y6/robin-icoral-profile-shot_brightened.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552519657105-JXMBR4XTYVYXSZH9EOS2/me-over-array-snorkler-above.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552519686745-DO320EU3UCANS1LA85VO/bow-of-catamaran-middle-grounds.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552519657606-G2MQG5Q9H2WXMKZ55XSZ/me-with-cryotube.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553118459249-62C78JW6JG0T43E33UJC/me-anc-connor-drilling-core.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552593130456-EW9MKOK4JMF6HV5YINMC/me-at-calcification-station.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552593300570-FUYEHWKDE5NIE21YC7M9/me-placing-frag-in-bag-palau.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552519696283-NL16SKQGJGQV8BHX3BBA/me-sawing-frag.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552519693098-UG272CW9A5DXXAC35LFH/me-maggie-hoisting-mainsail.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553024027293-WGBQ30JM8ODU6FWYM91R/me-with-dive-slate.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552519695407-96OYGBO7Z487JTSHNELC/me-up-bosuns-chair.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552519691774-5SDHYA02055DPWMWG159/me-looking-up-companionway-at-bobdog.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102634157-NJIM6K0OFA13VSLL270Z/me-sampling-BBD.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552595098736-I6L7XB1WRHFPCNCS2MLG/students-at-fowl-cay-site-overlay.jpg Home - Reef Restoration Exuma, Bahamas Project Founder & Principal Scientist | 2013-ongoing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552594949759-VV8E7Y33EKOAFF8TOANS/icoral-mark-square-overlay.jpg Home - iCORAL Reef Monitoring Platform Founder & Project Director | 2018-ongoing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552594911429-H30P016K8E4HOP26WKJ4/susie-mark-square-overlay.jpg Home - SUSiE Expeditions Founder & Director | 2014-ongoing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552595183101-ZCPBG3UD3OWVI6DC6DTU/nikko-array-filled-with-corals_square-overlay.jpg Home - NSF Coral Research Palau, Micronesia Research Scientist | 2014-ongoing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552518944836-M52SZUFCEGW0DLXFWN67/black-square.jpg Home - Ocean Sailing & Sail Training over 20 years as a cruising sailor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552611289767-XC9BLGXCD71CRK3JEJSE/black-square.jpg Home - Aquarium Design & Construction experimental or display aquaria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552611317974-QMM315WXUX6RCFQZRA4B/susie-%2329aae2-square.jpg Home - Customized Marine Research Solutions if it doesn’t exist, let’s build it https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552518735982-NP9F5KZUESHDEXWL9HHA/image-asset.jpeg Home - Coral Nurseries & Targeted Restoration culturing corals for purposeful projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552518015871-DBB9L1NYP1ATB8L3YQDG/susie-%2329aae2-square.jpg Home - Research Expeditions & Field Ops the further off-grid the better https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552515841420-C57SL8MYTDG157E88U2R/black-square.jpg Home - Experiential Education & Citizen Science science as a verb, not a noun https://robintylersmith.com/nsf-coral-research daily 0.75 2019-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964066137-PS9E09FEY8Y8RTFM8EV4/me-dusty-todd-mark-at-arch.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Palau Research Team Drs. Robin Smith (SUSiE), Dustin Kemp (University of Alabama, Birmingham), Todd LaJeunesse (Penn State), and Mark Warner (University of Delaware) at the iconic arch in Palau's Rock Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964064820-CELWP8EF3XFCP4QAIZFD/me-and-drew-sampling.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Sampling for Molecular Identification Our team collects hundreds of tiny coral samples from colonies along transects we established on reefs at our inshore and offshore study sites. Samples are sent back to Penn State and analyzed to determine the genetic identity of each coral colony and it's symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553104814905-2F7I193DALEPNBRO96N1/pocillopora-colonies-in-bins-on-boat.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Sampling for Experimental Fragments Large colonies are collected from the same coral species at both inshore and offshore reef study sites. Colonies are transported back to the lab to perform 'baseline' analyses and fragment into replicate pieces for laboratory and field experiments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553131918302-5HVHWC5NU7D35R74GTQ0/me-dusty-tim-in-lab.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Laboratory Analyses In the laboratory, we perform and extensive suite of biological measurements on each coral fragment. We measure concentrations of lipids, protein, chlorophyll, and algal symbionts, along with estimating buoyant weight and 3-D surface area. A subset of these samples are used in controlled physiology experiments https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964068750-73Q1R18B8HMN5WA0NGEU/frags-in-tank-half-in-half-out.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Experimental Coral Fragments Live colonies are fragmented into 12 replicate pieces and epoxied onto labeled PVC tiles. Thousands of fragments are prepared and acclimated in holding aquaria before being explanted to our inshore and offshore study sites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553103049054-UV76DZXHA33UO77M54UD/me-holding-coral-sheet.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Experimental Coral Fragments Each coral fragment is trimmed with a lapidary saw and epoxied to a labeled PVC tile. Between 20-30 fragments are affixed to Vexar sheets for transport to experimental coral arrays installed at our inshore and offshore study sites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964067666-NR6YQD7A5PK5J6SONZRF/arrays-stacked-at-PICRC.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Experimental Coral Arrays Several large schedule 80 PVC tables are constructed and installed at offshore and inshore study sites. These platforms serve as our experimental coral arrays and where the corals reside for multiple year experiments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964066546-WM6P5OW8HXCVXKWNQODW/me-and-time-installing-array.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Installing the Coral Arrays Myself and Dr. Mark Warner (UDel) at our offshore study site (Rebotel Reef) preparing to install one of three experimental coral arrays to be located there. Each array will hold 200-300 coral fragments for 2-3 year field experiments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964067669-UE2HEQA2RNDK4WP5SX4T/me-installing-array.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Securing the Coral Arrays Several stainless steel eye-bolts are drilled and epoxied into dead reef substrate around each array. The arrays are secured to the bottom using 3/8" Dyneema rope and 316 stainless turnbuckles attached to the eye-bolts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964064881-ZO46XPZMW8LQQ8719VJP/me-and-mark-attaching-corals-to-array.jpg Projects - NSF Coral Research - Reciprocal Transplant Experiments Hundreds of coral fragments are secured on each array. Corals from inshore are explanted offshore and visa-versa (reciprocal transplantation), to investigate how they respond, over time, to their new environment. Results from this research will provide insight into the mechanisms by which coral reefs are responding to global climate change. https://robintylersmith.com/projects-coral-nursery-bahamas daily 0.75 2019-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552715670227-HUZYZBI1VGJ0XXV7E1JK/next-life-aground-on-fowl-cay-reef.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - January 27, 2013 The 45’ s/v catamaran “Next Life” ran aground on the shallow reef between Guana and Fowl Cays on the eastern end of Elizabeth Harbour, Exuma, Bahamas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553104917458-BA1LDX5XH837UBC7I6GJ/me-pointing-to-damages-site-fowl-cay.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - February 9-10 | Initial Assessment ~ 500 sq. meters of healthy reef was impacted by the vessel grounding. ~400 live/broken coral fragments were rescued and placed in temporary nurseries, and ~600 kg. of rubble was removed to prevent further damage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964966563-8YLDZYYZ7PYOEOMUGMO4/me-and-fabien-handshake.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - Restoration Project Partnerships SUSiE leads a collaborative restoration project with Fabien Cousteau’s organization, Plant-a-Fish, and the Elizabeth Harbour Conservation Partnership. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964966499-K8JLE7K3I44UJKR2IHER/me-demonstrating-duckbills-on-dive-exuma-boat.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - Installing the Coral Nursery Demonstrating to team members of PAF and EHCP how we will be anchoring the coral nursery arrays to the seafloor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553104912435-P3EBZB3DS30XEDHVNAU6/installing-arrays-with-bahamians-at-fowl.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - Anchoring the Coral Arrays Working with local Bahamian students and volunteers of EHCP to install the anchoring systems for the coral nursery arrays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964965359-J13SRW8JP9893TUE0QS6/me-catherine-fabien-at-coral-array.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - Project Partners (l-r) Catherine Booker (EHCP), myself (SUSiE), and Fabien Cousteau (PAF) overlooking a newly installed and planted coral array. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553104914653-BWK9K76AR1S932OI46YI/me-helping-bahamian-kid-aboard-boat-to-fowl-cay.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - Community Involvement Launching the project provided a perfect opportunity to get the local school kids involved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964964160-Z8BJRG34AAYXFV5VNW5D/susie-students-at-plot.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - SUSiE Student Involvement Each summer, SUSiE Expeditions students contribute to the restoration project. Students explant corals from the nursery onto the reef areas damaged by the vessel grounding. They also perform maintenance on the coral nursery and propagate more fragments on the nursery arrays to replace those explanted to the reef. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964965094-PS7ZBZCU56WWMJPBW9NT/me-and-grow-exuma-students-planting-corals.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - Community Involvement SUSiE and EHCP work with Bahamian students of Grow Exuma at the restoration site. Local dive shop, Dive Exuma, provides boat support to bring students to the reef and facilitate their active participation in transplanting nursery corals to the vessel grounding site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553104914713-PGRHTO1YTG3GF78VG3BO/mark-with-students-pamming-plot.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - SUSiE Expeditions Science Dr. Mark Warner (UDel) teaching students to use a Diving PAM Fluorometer. Students measure fluorescence of corals after planting to assess their 'health' and recovery from the inherent stress they experience during the explanting process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552964964014-ZTKHEGQ73GT5V4FMLCLZ/plot-with-grown-out-staghorn.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas - Restoration Progress Most of the rescued corals and nursery-grown corals are established and growing well, with an average of 85% survivorship. The staghorn (seen here) and elkhorn corals planted in 2016 are starting to cover the damaged areas as they did before the vessel grounding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552716521952-T5UXQJZZH6JAAHRABGQ7/Initial+Assessment+graphic.jpg Projects - Coral Nursery Bahamas https://robintylersmith.com/expertise-experiential-education daily 0.75 2019-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553117223259-0ZXTZ7BHY6EI034N0QKE/student-sledge-installing-station.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - "Until you've actually done it..." I believe the best learning comes by doing. Like a SUSiE alumni once said, “You can read about installing stations all day long, but until you’ve actually done it, you’ve really got no idea what it takes.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553624440924-YVTNALKER176H1ULCMFJ/cat-from-cove-beach-ECLSP.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - SUSiE is Experiential Education I founded SUSiE around the pedagogy of science as a verb, not a noun. SUSiE Expeditions is the epitome of this with its unique experiential education programs. Students are taken way off-grid and learn to command every aspect of an actual scientific research expedition at sea. They're charged with sailing and navigating the vessel, executing field ops, conducting controlled experiments, and collecting and analyzing data, all towards accomplishing a predefined set of mission objectives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105099419-EU9B41IW4OI50Q1FAMKS/aft-deck-night-lecture.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - Curriculum Design Each year, I design the research plan and mission objectives for each SUSiE Expedition. I then design and create the student curriculum to accompany the expedition's focus. Lectures and presentations are given on the aft deck at night, often providing the background and preview for the hands on work the students will tackle the following day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552965387416-I7V9V47BPZZ75FPI5TND/me-teaching-radial-belt-transects-on-land.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - Practicals An essential part of my field research curriculum is practicals. Students first learn and practice on land, the skills, techniques and protocols they will be tasked with underwater. Students here learning the radial-belt transect technique they'll use to collect image data for iCORAL™ photomosaics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553629310769-D79EI4VANVZDU8UEY9MW/george+camille+helen+at+helm.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - Sailing is Experiential+ Something amazing happens to our students when they command the helm of a 50' catamaran under sail. The demonstration of teamwork is always impressive, and many students express that the sense of empowerment and accomplishment they've gained from this is something they've never experienced before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105100665-27C92CUWFKUYH611G086/girls-hammering-in-array-duckbill-frags-in-foreground.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - Student Field Ops I've led and trained SUSiE student and citizen scientists to execute an assortment of research related field operations. Students seen here installing arrays with coral fragments they've prepared for controlled growth experiments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553118777105-4IBZTC4HOGIDRELZCQZF/danni-tile-sawing-gorgonian-on-back-of-cat.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - Student Deck Ops Interestingly, a common highlight of SUSiE Expeditions expressed by many of our alumni is the amount of different types of tools they get to use while aboard. From PVC cutters to pneumatic drills, many have had little to no previous experience with hand tools. The student here is using a lapidary saw to cut samples from a sea fan for stable isotope analysis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105100820-DQE0IQF2Z1N8VXAH0MY1/maggie-pipetting-susie-shirt-on.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - Remote Field Laboratory Each year, SUSiE Expeditions sets up a remote field laboratory at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Students gain hands-on experience in numerous techniques used in coral reef research. The student here is isolating the algal symbiont cells from the coral tissue to determine concentrations and evaluate coral bleaching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105101599-VSADUG9UAY2K1II7HDY3/me-and-students-staining-corals.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - Portable Seawater Systems Many SUSiE Expeditions require seawater systems for controlled experiments. Students here set up a portable seawater system to incubate coral fragments in Alizarin red, an organic dye used to measure long-term growth rates corals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553118777105-KW51R9MYZEGRQ3FXI7WQ/me-showing-students-gorgonian-core.jpg Expertise - Experiential Education - Experiential Citizen Science Many things simply cannot be learned in the classroom. Students here examine the annual growth rings (like tree rings) in the skeleton of a sea fan. By actively involving students and citizens in the entire scientific process, SUSiE forges its mission of advancing a new generation of ocean scientists and explorers. https://robintylersmith.com/expertise- daily 0.75 2019-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105203554-OO7PV7RR5M2R1JLHUHEG/me-and-tati-installing-coral-on-array.jpg Expertise - Coral Nuseries - Customized Array Systems Different coral nursery projects require different functionality. I've designed several array systems to accommodate different requirements, from experimental arrays, that generally require greater accessibility to individual fragments, to restoration nurseries, where mounting materials and explanting considerations are taken into account. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552965961493-5938E3C2WJGF7LZB2NRC/hardware-for-arrays-on-table.jpg Expertise - Coral Nuseries - Nursery Design & Engineering Based on project objectives and desired functionality, I customize the design of each nursery system to best accommodate these needs. I've designed and utilized several functional array systems for both coral restoration projects, and both short and long-term field experiments. Depending on the location and substrate, I've developed a set of anchoring systems and hardware that have proven their functionality in the field over time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105200783-7BJE6ZYP7CBP8M1DHS4F/me-adjusting-turnbuckle.jpg Expertise - Coral Nuseries - Limestone Anchoring Systems The most challenging coral nurseries to install are generally those required to be located on the fore-reef. The substrate is usually hard limestone, which requires the drilling and epoxying of stainless eyebolts. On some eastern Pacific reefs, the corals grow on top of extremely hard sandstone, which requires a different type of drilling rig to anchor the arrays. I've experience installing arrays in numerous types of substrates and reef habitats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105205158-AQVZNHZNL6WOZSGBZ2VW/me-hammering-in-duckbill-spa-array.jpg Expertise - Coral Nuseries - Soft-Bottom Anchoring Systems Whenever possible, I prefer to establish a coral nursery on a soft-bottom substrate. Seagrass meadows, often found in the lagoon area behind the reef, sometimes provide the ideal location for a coral nursery. I've modified an anchoring system, from one used in the arboriculture industry, that's proven to work well in these environments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105206435-5WP494QIJYGIGZLNWB5A/me-placing-frag-in-bag-palau.jpg Expertise - Coral Nuseries - Coral Propagation I've over 30 years of propagating corals, in both aquariums and in the field. As a coral research scientist and advanced aquarist, I have an in-depth understanding of the biological and physiological requirements of the corals, how to sample and properly handling them and how to facilitate the successful growth and longevity of different species selected for a coral nursery or experimental array system. https://robintylersmith.com/new-index-1 daily 0.75 2019-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105292360-I04FJCG6YHBDZ84S60JG/reeflections-tank-1.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Display Aquaria 1400 gallon curved-front Starphire™ glass reef aquarium with custom cabinetry. Built and installed at a private residence in Boca Raton, Florida. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105294539-WRL9SOWVK8ZZ8BA96UUP/reeflections-tank-2.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Display Aquaria 1000 gallon Starphire™ glass reef aquarium with custom cabinetry. Built and installed at a private residence in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553702691045-LIHBN2ME2CF8DGFW697M/installing-corner-tank.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Display Aquaria Installing an 800 gallon Starphire™ glass reef aquarium corner tank. The custom cabinetry was designed as bookshelves and constructed from Mahogany and White Maple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105295325-MI78H80UXDPR21QJ5K56/top-view-210-aquarium.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Personal Reef Aquaria My 210 gallon Starphire™ all-glass reef aquarium. Over 60 species of reef-building coral, each started as ~ 2cm fragments, and propagated over 6 years. The system included: an 80 gallon planted reservoir on reverse photoperiod, 2,400W Metal Halide lighting, 800W VHO actinic lighting, 3/4 ton reverse-phase split unit chiller, dual foam fractionators, UV and Ozone sterilizers, carbonate reactor, RO/DI top-off, and remote login computer control, monitoring and alarms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966118457-K8677OFZ2JR07AGSQHPB/my-210-aquarium-1.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Personal Reef Aquaria (image 2) My 210 gallon Starphire™ all-glass reef aquarium. Over 60 species of reef-building coral, each started as ~ 2cm fragments, and propagated over 6 years. The system included: an 80 gallon planted reservoir on reverse photoperiod, 2,400W Metal Halide lighting, 800W VHO actinic lighting, 3/4 ton reverse-phase split unit chiller, dual foam fractionators, UV and Ozone sterilizers, carbonate reactor, RO/DI top-off, and remote login computer control, monitoring and alarms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105275141-RY5GLNA4QKSGCT8G9DCO/culture-tank-attached-to-210.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Personal Coral Propagation Aquaria During undergrad, I began experimenting extensively on different techniques to most efficiently propagate reef-building coral fragments. This led to my development of a profitable online business selling coral fragments to aquarists across North America. Shown here is my 180 gallon experimental tank with several coral species in different phases of propagation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105280397-M64JA6HCPA0U2KK5OHDX/me-holding-blue-acro-frag.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Coral Propagation for Sale My biggest breakthrough (in profits) actually came from experimenting with corals and shipping procedures. I determined coral fragments had higher survivorship for up to 26 hours (depending on species) if they were packaged moist, in open bags, versus the typical method of bagging them in water with pure oxygen added. This is now known as the "dry-shipping" method and is commonly practiced by researchers and aquarists when transporting corals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105285876-2EIORT18RVTJ97VQ2CNX/pelican-box-of-corals-to-amsterdam.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Corals from Mexico to Norway In 2016, while a post-doctoral research scientist at the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Puerto Morelos, Mexico, I carried 100 live coral fragments using the "dry-shipping" method with me to Norway, where I was presenting at European Coral Reef Symposium. Collaborators met me at customs and transferred the fragments to their University, with a total "dry" time of 22 hours. Only 1 fragment failed to survive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966117386-D90SX6JDQ5GPT6CUUC02/my-800-gallon-empty-tank.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Personal Reef Aquaria My 800 gallon Starphire™ all-glass reef aquarium. I built and installed this system in my house during graduate school. The equipment and filtration was located in an adjacent room, and included a 400 gallon coral propagation reservoir connected inline with the system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966116618-SXBXI6J1GN2DG2G1RJDE/my-800-gallon-plumbing-and-filtration.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Personal Reef Aquaria (image 2) My 800 gallon Starphire™ all-glass reef aquarium. I built and installed this system in my house during graduate school. The equipment and filtration was located in an adjacent room, and included a 400 gallon coral propagation reservoir connected inline with the system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966116426-UQ55OW7M2286LQSPATI9/mote-indoors.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Mote Marine Laboratory In 2003, myself and Dr. Erich Mueller designed and built the indoor and outdoor coral culture facilities at Mote Marine Laboratory's Center for Tropical Research (now Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research), Summerland Key, Florida. The indoor culture aquaria were built at closed-systems utilizing Jaubert-type filtration, while the outdoor tables were semi-open systems, utilizing seawater filtered from a well for turnover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966115385-A83SXN63D7V4EPXS3XQB/mote-outdoors.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Mote Marine Laboratory (image 2) In 2003, myself and Dr. Erich Mueller designed and built the indoor and outdoor coral culture facilities at Mote Marine Laboratory's Center for Tropical Research (now Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research), Summerland Key, Florida. The indoor culture aquaria were built at closed-systems utilizing Jaubert-type filtration, while the outdoor tables were semi-open systems, utilizing seawater filtered from a well for turnover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105275371-YU06Y9ISE34BD4V152K1/fiu-culture-room-1.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - FIU Coral Culture System During graduate school, I was contracted by Florida International University's Marine Science Laboratory to design and install a coral culture system in their new building. I constructed the all-glass aquariums on site and utilized large (600 gallon) poly transport bins as reservoirs. The systems included: a Carlson-type surge system, 1200W Metal Halide lighting, 1/2 hp split-unit chiller, foam fractionator, ozone sterilization, carbonate reactor, RO/DI top off, remote login computer control, monitoring and alarms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105277211-NO1NWW5087TSVL1PYTMP/fiu-culture-tank-2.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - FIU Coral Culture System (image 2) During graduate school, I was contracted by Florida International University's Marine Science Laboratory to design and install a coral culture system in their new building. I constructed the all-glass aquariums on site and utilized large (600 gallon) poly transport bins as reservoirs. The systems included: a Carlson-type surge system, 1200W Metal Halide lighting, 1/2 hp split-unit chiller, foam fractionator, ozone sterilization, carbonate reactor, RO/DI top off, remote login computer control, monitoring and alarms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105277997-IFT0OHPGSYYWCL2F6NXC/fiu-culture-tank-wave-over-corals.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - FIU Coral Culture System (image 3) During graduate school, I was contracted by Florida International University's Marine Science Laboratory to design and install a coral culture system in their new building. I constructed the all-glass aquariums on site and utilized large (600 gallon) poly transport bins as reservoirs. The systems included: a Carlson-type surge system, 1200W Metal Halide lighting, 1/2 hp split-unit chiller, foam fractionator, ozone sterilization, carbonate reactor, RO/DI top off, remote login computer control, monitoring and alarms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105273620-WDLS0NG4EL3DHCLY4BRR/biscayne-nature-center-tank.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Biscayne Nature Center I helped design and build the abstract-shaped aquarium and tidal system for Biscayne Nature Center's indoor mangrove exhibit. The display houses live mangroves and intertidal animals, and also changes in water height mimicking a natural tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105287053-K071VYW4ITIV9UMSOZXO/penn-state-tanks-me-drilling-reservoirs.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Penn State Anemone Culture System I designed, built and installed a customized anemone culture system for Penn State. The wall stacked, multi tank system, is geared for culturing Aptasia, a small anemone that has become a model system in coral reef research. The system allows researchers to rear the anemones in both the light and dark, in order to create experimental anemones lacking their usual symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105291520-0BMAS9WDUNHQXWEMLX0B/penn-state-tanks-on-table.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - Penn State Anemone Culture System (image 2) I designed, built and installed a customized anemone culture system for Penn State. The wall stacked, multi tank system, is geared for culturing Aptasia, a small anemone that has become a model system in coral reef research. The system allows researchers to rear the anemones in both the light and dark, in order to create experimental anemones lacking their usual symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966121258-EMKZ8V6FQ9IZZN77PBT0/unam-beginning-tear-down.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - ICML Ocean Acidification Systems During my appointment as post-doctoral researcher at the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Puerto Morelos, Mexico, I designed and installed a state-of-the-art experimental system for ocean acidification research on corals. The computer-controlled system allows for precise and independent control of temperature and CO2 levels in 8 replicate systems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966113528-25XE0YU38XKHRJAX05MM/unam-blue-tanks-outside-2.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - ICML Ocean Acidification Systems (continued) Eight independently controlled reservoirs are each connected to 4 experimental tanks to allow for experimental replication. Experimental tanks are located outside to utilize natural sunlight and most accurately mimic natural environmental conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966122919-MO8W1VAP2HEWQV4QKGZO/unam-reservoirs.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - ICML Ocean Acidification Systems (continued) Outdoor experimental tanks and reservoirs are plumbed into a control room, where the pumps, computer and control equipment are located. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966118721-ZI1HIJ0HQIG79RLNWDBP/unam-inside-plumbing.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - ICML Ocean Acidification Systems (continued) Inside the control room, the systems are plumbed into a flow-control manifold to facilitate independent flow-rate adjustments and fresh seawater additions when longer-term experiments call for a semi-open system https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966114210-78664PMR0B4WSUJEMXX6/unam-mass-flow-controllerw.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - ICML Ocean Acidification Systems (continued) A series of computerized mass-flow controllers allows levels of CO2 to be precisely and independently maintained and adjusted in each system. Each controller communicates wirelessly to pH monitoring systems installed outside on the experimental tanks where the experimental corals are located. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966113393-GEP0E7D64KNMUNA9VW96/unam-national-intrument-component.jpg Expertise - Aquarium Design - ICML Ocean Acidification Systems (continued) The entire system is computer-controlled by National Instruments wireless sensor hardware using customized LabVIEW programming. https://robintylersmith.com/new-index-2 daily 0.75 2019-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105395650-03IV3RXAQ0HD1H2J71AF/dynema-line-and-hardware-image.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Overbuild on Purpose When it comes to field systems, I tend to overbuild things. The ocean is powerful beyond comprehension, and nothing brings a halt to a project like showing up after a bit of bad weather to find your entire nursery or experiments either damaged or gone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966374185-LGCRV8FBH9EIC2JVYFNN/me-tightening-turnbuckle.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Reef Anchoring Systems Over the years, I've tested numerous anchoring systems for securing coral arrays and/or equipment to the reef floor for long-periods of time. For each seafloor type, I've refined a functional system well suited for almost any project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105401458-RMZ9ILVKO3L3H4LGBHA5/me-installing-samples-on-erichs-arrays.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Coral Nursery & Experimental Arrays I've designed coral nursery and array systems for a number of different projects and applications. On many experimental systems, I often accommodate the attachment of equipment and/or sensors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105403237-LIX195342C7KCXSW27L5/me-and-erich-ECLSP-dock-portable-tank-wounding-experiment.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Portable Systems Each year, we set up some type of portable seawater systems and laboratory at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Exuma, Bahamas. Seen here inside a collapsible tank we used to perform controlled stress experiments and PAM-fluorometry measurements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105398254-XFU19G6LT54CMQJF7MW8/me-and-erich-ECLSP-dock-pam-inside-tank.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Portable Systems (image 2) Corals are placed on a micro-controlled xyz-axis table to facilitate repeated fluorometry measurements on the corals at the same location and orientation on their surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105395518-JCIDVDFW6OLVUSY97KMX/heron-island-respirometry-chambers.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Experimental Coral Chambers I’ve designed and constructed experimental coral chambers and small aquaria systems for a diversity of coral research projects. Seen here are water-jacketed coral respirometry chambers with internal stir bars for water flow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966372700-2HASM9OZ5ESGVHZ7V9AZ/endolith-chambers.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Experimental Coral Chambers Custom coral incubation chambers designed using micro-polished Perspex rod to facilitate PAM-fluorometry measurement of inverted corals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105405158-TYGAIQV37663BXQSLW4J/me-pamming-corals.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Experimental Coral Chambers (image 2) Custom coral incubation chambers designed using micro-polished Perspex rod to facilitate PAM-fluorometry measurement of inverted corals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966372965-8PJ0IXFXCG6SLDV1JTW8/irga-setup.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Experimental Coral Chambers A specially designed coral chamber attached to an Infrared Gas Analyzer (IRGA) to measure precisely the CO2 evolved from a coral sample. Not shown is a 3 meter tower I constructed which jackets the gas tubing so it can be super-cooled with liquid nitrogen before entering the IRGA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966373876-CYEI13C8S2IH59KBCSUN/split-chambers.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Experimental Coral Systems I’ve build numerous bench-top coral experiment and incubation systems. This 4-chambered system has variable intensity LED lighting, computer controlled monitoring and logging of pH, temperature, and solenoid control of CO2 addition, independently for each tank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966371747-I0ZBXREZMDHZKZQORBL5/unam-larval-experiment-systems.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Experimental Coral Systems I’ve designed systems for coral spawning research. Seen here is an outdoor OA system with 40 independent holding reservoirs in larger tanks for temperature control. Seawater adjusted to different pH levels is added independently to each reservoir to measure the effect of CO2 on larval settlement and growth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105404209-JRECY30H311RQS8LOA5A/me-at-calcification-station.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Experimental Laboratory Systems I’ve expertise in a number of laboratories of different disciplines and research foci. I enjoy designing equipment to answer difficult research questions. Seen here using a system I developed to measure coral calcification, during one hour, in micromolar concentrations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105398254-SF4NV6WA9496ZCH75NKN/me-and-chiller-guy-palau.jpg Expertise - Marine Research Solutions - Improvised Field Solutions Unusually high seawater temperatures began stressing our experimental corals in Palau. Lacking access and time to purchase aquaculture equipment, I designed and built a large chiller using a 2-ton household air-conditioning unit. https://robintylersmith.com/new-index-3 daily 0.75 2019-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105471249-LXHIJ6GRCG744WWE7LVF/me-on-pop%27s-boat-as-a-kid.jpg Expertise - Ocean Sailing - Starting Early I was on sailboats before I could walk. Growing up, my grandfather and I would cruise Florida, the Keys and Bahamas each summer. I began learning sail, navigation and seamanship skills at an early age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966559750-XD18X0ATTYETHHBVQKVN/blue-heeler-transom.jpg Expertise - Ocean Sailing - S/V Blue Heeler In 2004, I acquired a 1977 Creekmore 40’ offshore cruiser/racer. I named her S/V Blue Heeler after my water-loving cattle dog, and she would become our full-time cruising home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966561955-H1ILO9DSY70YLFXGMZF6/me-and-pop-blue-heeler.jpg Expertise - Ocean Sailing - Sailing Genes I'm honored to be the son of a son of an amazing sailor. My grandfather and I getting ready for Blue Heeler's maiden voyage from Clearwater down to Key Largo, Fl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105467089-U4QQ9JIOBDCI56JC3S2A/blue-heeler-sunset-under-sail.jpg Expertise - Ocean Sailing - Liveaboard Researcher In 2008, I sailed Blue Heeler to Mexico for a 3-year post-doctoral research appointment at the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología in Puerto Morelos . I lived aboard and explored much of the meso-american reef during this time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105467167-97W23H37TBECOY29YAAR/blue-heeler-on-anchor-belize.jpg Expertise - Ocean Sailing - Cruising the Meso-American Reef S/V Blue Heeler sits on anchor in Placencia, Belize, during one of many exploratory trips down the Meso-American. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552966559748-V9K18T16PPM3GUTHM6KR/me-teaching-plotting.jpg Expertise - Ocean Sailing - SUSiE Expeditions In 2014, I founded the Science under Sail Institute for Exploration (SUSiE) and developed the sailing curriculum and hands-on sail training for its college student programs, SUSiE Expeditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105472314-D4OQULSMI0E29EWGNF53/me-maggie-hoisting-mainsail.jpg Expertise - Ocean Sailing - SUSiE Expeditions Each summer, I train groups of college students to sail, captain, and navigate a 50’ sailing catamaran through the 300+ islands of the Exuma archipelago, Bahamas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553133235349-GQE5IXKUGQG95FWC7MWB/students-behind-susie-leecloth-banner.jpg Expertise - Ocean Sailing - SUSiE Sailing Alumni To date, I’ve graduated 47 college students from SUSiE Expedition programs. Each one leaves with sound experiential training in the fundamentals of sailing, seamanship and coastal navigation. https://robintylersmith.com/susie-expeditions-project daily 0.75 2019-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552687845082-O9OXFBJIKOHMY8TUKU0A/susie-expedition-logo-white_800x60.png Projects - SUSiE Expeditions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102748915-983W0DIYWDRMALI0X8JI/bow-of-catamaran-middle-grounds.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - Science under Sail Institute for Exploration SUSiE Expeditions offers students a unique opportunity to join a live coral reef research expedition. Missions are 2-3 weeks aboard a 50’ sailing catamaran, with students commanding every aspect of the research, sailing and navigation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553108364773-7DXVNA8922CJOYLPUN5W/me-and-jerah-bracelets-2.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - SUSiE CoFounders Myself and co-founder, Jerah Coviello, celebrating SUSiE’s official recognition as a 501(c)3 registered Scientific Institute in 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553108581571-2P1WPJSBYJ4B8119U7RF/me-foredeck-hands-outstreched-with-students-2.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - SUSiE Expeditions Myself and Dr. Mark Warner from University of Delaware demonstrate to students many of the current techniques used to study coral health and bleaching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102752639-MMF1GVY2AY20144TOZ7G/students-ECLSP-lab-from-above.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - SUSiE Field Lab Students assemble a field laboratory and portable running seawater systems at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. We teach them to execute a diversity of scientific techniques, from processing genetic samples of corals to measuring their physiology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102754257-DVUSW9ZRT8IEEYN5YUOU/students-measure-reflectance-at-ECLSP.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - Young Scientists, Real Science SUSiE students measure the ‘reflectance’ of live corals using a spectrometer. This technique, developed in my post-doctoral research laboratory, is the only non-destructive way to accurately measure coral bleaching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553108364702-2QRN5QYV2MYMSTTIX5TT/dana-pamming-nursery-corals-2.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - SUSiE Science A SUSiE student using a Diving PAM-fluorometer to measure the ‘health’ of coral fragments in SUSiE’s Fowl Cay coral nursery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102747063-YBGW37DMLEXP9LCHUOJG/connor-plastics-trawl-from-bow.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - Microplastics in Exuma Sound Each year, SUSiE students perform series of experimental trawls to estimate microplastic concentration in Exuma Sound. This complements microplastics / coral physiology experiments also performed during the expeditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553108365899-VH2FPPZV1LDFEJ2UZN3X/microbeads-on-porites-2.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - Microplastics / Coral Physiology Aboard SUSiE Expeditions 2015, we performed experiments to investigate the negative impact of microplastics on coral growth rates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553108366169-K14CJ0BREAOGKLSAVAEZ/microbeads-poster-me-and-connor-2.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - 2016 ASLO Ocean Sciences Meeting SUSiE alumni present results from our microplastics research at the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography Ocean Sciences meeting in New Orleans, LA, 2016. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102751500-X4V1D1EWA8FWZ81TYPB8/me-and-students-drilling-cat-above-half-in-half-out.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - Sewage Pollution History in Coral Cores In 2016, SUSiE designed an innovative experiment to utilize stable isotopes in the skeletal bands of coral cores to evaluate the role of sewage pollution in the historic decline of reefs within Elizabeth Harbour, Exuma, Bahamas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553118339772-C8VPA15BXJ5LNEN4HG7V/me-anc-connor-drilling-core.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - 2016 SUSiE Expeditions Coral Coring Cores were drilled and removed from 9 colonies of the mountainous star coral (Orbicella faveolata) on reefs inside and outside the Harbour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553106635964-TG6O41RYXP8FAWTGVL2Q/students-coring.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - 2016 SUSiE Expeditions Coral Coring Student teams become proficient in assembling the pneumatic drill rig, drilling, and recovering long coral cores for stable isotope analyses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102751021-0X5S12E6CFFNGMGJ72N7/me-showing-glauco-core.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - Coral Cores Reveal History Students examine a core they collected. Cores are analyzed by colleague Dr. Dustin Kemp at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Cores are CT-scanned to identify seasonal growth bands and evaluate historical growth. Skeletal samples are extracted from the bands and analyzed for stable nitrogen isotopes, to evaluate sewage pollution back through time, up to 30 years depending on core length. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102754901-MVVPL5JUKH82KSX2Z54S/susie-banner-foredeck-cat-pipe-creek.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - SUSiE Expeditions Mission To advance a new generation of ocean scientists and explorers. Towards this mission, SUSiE Expeditions is 4 years, 5 expeditions, 6000+ nautical miles, 47 college alumni….and counting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552529160486-OVG20H3Y9J1JXDTPKDS3/cristina-tile-saw.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - “SUSiE is not only a program, but it's a lifetime experience. You never know what to expect, just know it will be quite an adventure. This is the ideal choice for anyone with a passion for ocean conservation.” Christina Chao, BSc. | SUSiE Alum 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552528547016-CYXHAFGVNNSF11HF4FF7/erin-with-frag-bags-at-array.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - “I would need a novel to write about all the wonderful things I discovered about myself, life, and the ocean while sailing with SUSiE! My time aboard changed the way I think. No other experience has ever been so dear, or so valuable to me.” Erin Morrow, BSc. | SUSiE Alum 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552527436090-W1NN5J83YKRYHZJQZW90/maggie-holding-frag.jpg Projects - SUSiE Expeditions - “Getting on the boat at the beginning of the expedition we were all strangers, leaving at the end, we were all family. Robin and Jerah are amazing ocean advocates and this program is something that I feel like anyone with a love of the ocean will benefit from.” Maggie Rushmore, MSc. | SUSiE Alum 2015 https://robintylersmith.com/icoral-projects daily 0.75 2019-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552689536658-3RDX0C55J78DQDDQSM67/icoral-logo-and-mark-white_340x90.png Projects - iCORAL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553441343671-WF2426IMEZQ227D5VICB/IG-Post_will-you-dive-for-reefs_icoral_diver-with-gopro.jpg Projects - iCORAL - iCORAL™ Reef Monitoring Platform iCORAL™ is an innovative Coral Reef Monitoring Platform that’s powered by recreational SCUBA divers. Developed by SUSiE, in collaboration with the University of Miami, RSMAS, iCORAL™ assembles diver-collected images to produce high-resolution photomosaics used by scientists to monitor reef health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553108861927-4XWL87XLFHKDWTUFDPLP/page-section-6--photo-mosaic-resolution-squares-2.jpg Projects - iCORAL - Photomosaic Technology for Reef Monitoring Complex algorithms were created to accurately align numerous overlapping reef images into a single larger image called a Photomosaic. The resolution of the individual images is maintained across the entire mosaic, providing a spatially accurate, analyzable snapshot of 30+ sq. meter of coral reef with sub-millimeter resolution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102824316-L33FU7RWS55AUGF875XO/maddie-and-christina-installing-station.jpg Projects - iCORAL - Laying the Foundation for iCORAL™ iCORAL™ officially launched in 2019, but the foundation was being laid years prior aboard SUSiE Expeditions. Students shown here installing a monitoring station in Exuma, Bahamas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102826822-UEN9BE1XXBOBP3FDMKAK/me-and-two-students-station-install-from-above.jpg Projects - iCORAL - iCORAL™ Reef Monitoring Stations Aluminum station markers are permanently epoxied into a non-living part of the reef. GPS coordinates are recorded and benthic maps constructed to aid in the repeated relocation of stations by divers to collect image data for iCORAL™. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102828409-YPOQFB59EZGXDAH6L5W4/me-and-student-radial-belt-photomosaic.jpg Projects - iCORAL - iCORAL™ Photomosaic Protocols SUSiE conducted numerous field trials to develop the diver protocols for iCORAL™. These protocols are currently being formalized into an online iCORAL™ certification course. The course will certify divers in the proper techniques for collecting and uploading imagery data to construct photomosaics for iCORAL™ reef monitoring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553102824799-4B5H77ME4O5BFDP2OTJ5/jerah-photomosaic-mockup-swimming-around-station-with-gopro.jpg Projects - iCORAL - iCORAL™ Divers A vacationing SCUBA divers collecting imagery data for iCORAL™ while diving with Dive Exuma, in Georgetown, Bahamas. In 2019-2020, iCORAL™ is partnering with additional dive shops throughout the Caribbean to establish them as iCORAL™ Dive Centers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553529384927-S25VR50XWEPGSF1HI7T1/IG-Post_expeditions.jpg Projects - iCORAL - iCORAL™ Expeditions | Caribbean 2019 iCORAL™ Expeditions are 5-day masterclass workshops for recreational SCUBA divers wanting to become involved with iCORAL™. The Expeditions serve to establish dive shops as iCORAL™ Dive Centers and build a team of divers to help beta-test components of the Platform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553529387101-3G4KSYX7XPO528LM7Y3U/IG-Post_college-expeditions.jpg Projects - iCORAL - iCORAL™ College Expeditions | Summer 2019 iCORAL™ College Expeditions are 10-day masterclass workshops for undergrad and graduate student SCUBA divers wanting to become involved with iCORAL™. These Expeditions serve to establish dive shops as iCORAL™ Dive Centers and build a team of college SCUBA divers to help beta-test components of the Platform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552962513030-YJ6A25NBNQUL4FWAJZPU/iCORAL-AYS-infographic_FINAL_bottom-cropped.jpg Projects - iCORAL https://robintylersmith.com/research-expeditions daily 0.75 2019-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105025685-AVY0XQE9G5WH7UZS75KP/bow-of-catamaran-middle-grounds.jpg Expertise - Research Expeditions - SUSiE Expeditions As the Founder and Program Director of SUSiE Expeditions, I've designed and executed 6 student-led research expeditions aboard sailing catamarans. Aboard these expeditions, I've led over 50 college students, far off-grid, to study and explore remote coral reefs of the Exuma archipelago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105029372-5A3K6X2ZOFTLCYONMSCJ/me-hanging-chair-on-blue-heeler-in-front-of-computer.jpg Expertise - Research Expeditions - Expedition Planning Any successful research expedition starts with extensive planning. I strive to be meticulous when considering the complex logistics and the potential challenges likely to be encountered during an expedition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105026044-QQSXDCAHSSOT5CR2ZHKH/equipment-on-bench.jpg Expertise - Research Expeditions - Expedition Gear & Inventory Testing gear and equipment before embarking on any expedition is critical to its success. Whenever possible, redundant back-ups of key pieces of gear and equipment are included in the expedition inventory. Likewise, consideration of tools, materials, and supplies to build or repair things in the field is equally important. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105028490-879HMHIAWZAYC88JKG76/me-and-henry-looking-at-chart.jpg Expertise - Research Expeditions - Local Knowledge Soliciting 'local knowledge' of an area or potential expedition route is always good practice. Navigational hazards are always changing, and often not depicted on the available charts or cruising guides for a region. A prudent expedition leader uses all the resources available, especially local guidance when available, to plan expedition routes and field ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553105029976-64WNLA4H2K429JKM5ZEX/me-showing-jenna-airbrushing-back-of-cat.jpg Expertise - Research Expeditions - Off-Grid Research I enjoy tackling the challenges and logistics of planning off-grid research. SUSiE Expeditions often collects coral samples for genetic analyses. Airbrushes powered by SCUBA tanks (shown here) are used to remove the coral tissue and prepare it for preservation. We must pack centrifuges to separate the symbiotic algae from the coral tissue and carry Liquid Nitrogen to flash freeze the samples. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1553118726813-DMV9AZHGAMQSQRD2L72K/hooka-above-students-below.jpg Expertise - Research Expeditions - Marine Field Research My expertise in marine field research is extensive, diverse, and global. I've experience leading and participating in research expeditions on both motor and sailing vessels, from small boat ops to ship-based, both coastal and offshore. I'm also experienced in planning and participating on expeditions to remote field stations, where the team arrives by air and the scientific equipment and/or samples are transported by air or ship. https://robintylersmith.com/custom-aquariums daily 0.75 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/375bd933-1362-4951-8a84-274583136604/white+shirt+8.png Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603725232364-1ZTGF4846TVD1WE74CM8/top-view.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603720794719-5CDLW0ZF3TJ2SPIP9Y1Y/frags-on-plugs.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603720795407-6JK9NI8URCHULM8MKZPK/corner-view.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603725267738-PJBE91X3LCW9FJZI5KGL/holding-frag.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603725309616-2N88HQP9ZTJAN7Z21CPZ/saddlewrasse.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603720801660-CV06XHD0FEQ41UHBNZ4H/zooanthids.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1604847057249-2ICIZMQ6GKN689J8XAMI/drawing-and-tank-plate_bowfront_side-by-side_CEE-LOGO-BOTTOM-LEFT.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1605218002425-O2YIJWTTR99MM8RW8O4T/Renee-Bio-Pic_b%26w_reduced.jpg Custom Aquariums RENEE D’ADAMO - ARCHITECT / DESIGNER Renee has been infusing architectural beauty on Islands around the world since 1998. Specializing in custom residential and commercial projects, Renee skillfully combines the challenges of construction with the elegance of design to satiate one underlying goal – to enhance the way people occupy their most lived-in spaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1605544681815-VPCI0PUWAK2TFBR6FXOV/Parke-Bio-Pic_b%2526w.jpg Custom Aquariums PARKE TUCKER - STRUCTURAL ENGINEER For all structural aspects associated with aquaria design, fabrication and installation, Parke is our structural engineering consultant. As President of his company, Parke has been involved in the design and construction of complex, atypical structures since 1995. Most notably, his company installed the geosphere, Spaceship Earth, the iconic structure of Walt Disney’s Epcot center in Orlando, Florida. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1605544261449-IMLCPWP06YUYO31KROIN/me%252Bdive%252Bgear%252Bpalau_b%252526w.jpg Custom Aquariums ROBIN SMITH, PHD - DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS As a professional coral reef research scientist and aquarist, Robin has 30+ years’ of experience in the design and fabrication of state-of-the-art life support systems and display aquaria focused on corals and coral reef ecosystems. Robin is an Associate Research Professor at Arizona State University, based at the Reef to Ridge Restoration Center (3RC) in Kona, Hawai’i. His research is focused on developing innovative ways of using sexually reproduced corals to improve coral restoration success. He is continuously building experimental coral systems in his lab. His team uses these on a daily basis to conduct research on in-vitro fertilization, assisted gene flow, selective breeding, symbiont engineering, and others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1604847256691-OBRFZAOWUOIR7KL09HWJ/CEE-Mark-%26-Text_BLUE_WHITE-BACKGROUND_EXTENDED.png Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603984303437-YAZA6F722YF1EDVKOG63/sitting-room_BEAUTIFUL.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603984299537-679HN8EWQ10MI79BSD45/entryway_2-women_DRAMATIC.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603984305940-UA9MDKT15EPRXU758FCY/minimalist-bedroom_DIFFERENT.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603984298231-RF5GDFYBQWMZDM4KPJIE/white-corner-wall_CHIC.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603984308783-9GKSX9AJ6NAMUOMOW1VX/white-wall-past-dinning-area_-ALIVE.jpg Custom Aquariums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1603720981623-9FGVWLE3WVXWRCTTDL3T/Reeflections-800-gallon_insert-reef_tall_reduced-size.jpg Custom Aquariums https://robintylersmith.com/cover-page daily 1.0 2024-09-04 https://robintylersmith.com/projects daily 0.75 2019-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552594911429-H30P016K8E4HOP26WKJ4/susie-mark-square-overlay.jpg projects - SUSiE Expeditions Founder & Director | 2014-ongoing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552595183101-ZCPBG3UD3OWVI6DC6DTU/nikko-array-filled-with-corals_square-overlay.jpg projects - NSF Coral Research Palau, Micronesia Research Scientist | 2014-ongoing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552595098736-I6L7XB1WRHFPCNCS2MLG/students-at-fowl-cay-site-overlay.jpg projects - Reef Restoration Exuma, Bahamas Project Founder & Principal Scientist | 2016-ongoing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552594949759-VV8E7Y33EKOAFF8TOANS/icoral-mark-square-overlay.jpg projects - iCORAL Reef Monitoring Platform Founder & Project Director | 2018-ongoing https://robintylersmith.com/expertise daily 0.75 2019-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552611317974-QMM315WXUX6RCFQZRA4B/susie-%2329aae2-square.jpg expertise - Customized Marine Research Solutions if it doesn’t exist, let’s build it https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552518735982-NP9F5KZUESHDEXWL9HHA/image-asset.jpeg expertise - Coral Nurseries & Targeted Restoration culturing corals for purposeful projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552611289767-XC9BLGXCD71CRK3JEJSE/black-square.jpg expertise - Aquarium Design & Construction experimental or display aquaria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552518015871-DBB9L1NYP1ATB8L3YQDG/susie-%2329aae2-square.jpg expertise - Research Expeditions & Field Ops the further off-grid the better https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552515841420-C57SL8MYTDG157E88U2R/black-square.jpg expertise - Experiential Education & Citizen Science science as a verb, not a noun https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c776966840b1643b32fa85d/1552518944836-M52SZUFCEGW0DLXFWN67/black-square.jpg expertise - Ocean Sailing & Sail Training over 20 years as a cruising sailor