Daniel Holstein

Daniel Holstein serves as Adjunct Faculty at Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), with an upcoming appointment as Associate Professor starting Fall 2025. He leads the Seascape Ecology Lab focusing on marine metapopulation dynamics and coral reef conservation.

His research spans

• Seascape ecology and metapopulation connectivity
• Larval dispersal modeling using biophysical approaches
• Coral disease epidemiology, particularly Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD)
• Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems
• Mesophotic coral reef refugia
• Marine reserve design through partnerships with NGOs like Rare's Fish Forever Initiative

His publication record shows strong focus on coral disease dynamics and connectivity modeling, with recent work examining hurricane impacts on disease spread, ballast water transmission pathways, and sediment as disease vectors. The research integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and advanced modeling techniques.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Winner of ISRS Best Paper Award
• Multiple Feature Article selections
• Highlighted Student Research awards

Holstein secures significant funding including NSF grants for coral disease research and climate change modeling projects. His lab collaborates internationally across the Caribbean, US Virgin Islands, Florida, and Southeast Asia. Current initiatives include mapping reef refugia, developing disease transmission models, and supporting equitable marine managed area design in the Philippines, Mozambique, Indonesia, and Central America.