JULY - Dr. Harrison Albert, A closer look at some of the smaller animals that inhabit the coral reef

Dr. Albert will be talking about the common defining characteristics and fun facts about marine invertebrates typically found on the coral reefs of the Tropical Western Atlantic and the Caribbean regions. Five different phyla, or a large taxonomic group of organisms (e.g., Echinodermata, Arthropoda, Porifera, Cnidaria, and Mollusca), will be discussed. Additionally, specific examples of species that make up those groups will be highlighted and talked about. Lastly, binomial scientific naming will also be explained. Come out and learn all about the critters that call the reef home!

Dr. Albert holds degrees in marine biology & ecology and a Ph.D. in conservation science. Dr. Albert is an AAUS scientific scuba diver with hundreds of logged open water dives, is a 4x aquanaut, and is a deep-sea submersible diver (to 1,000ft). In 2022, Dr. Albert was presented with the University of Miami 30 Under 30 award for his continued involvement and efforts in the University of Miami marine science community by regularly serving as a graduate committee member for Masters and Ph.D. students.