John Burns

Dr. John HR Burns is an Associate Professor in Marine Science and Data Science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, where he founded the Multiscale Environmental Graphical Analysis (MEGA) Lab. His research focuses on coral health and disease, examining the physiological impacts of disease on corals and the ecological consequences of coral mortality on reef ecosystems.

Dr. Burns actively investigates global and localized drivers of coral diseases, aiming to promote resilient coral ecosystems amid climate change. He has pioneered innovative 3D mapping techniques to assess disturbances on reefs and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications. His expertise has been highlighted in the award-winning documentaries Chasing Coral, Reefs at Risk, and Island Earth.

Dr. Burns’ work has been presented at international scientific conferences, and he engages in outreach through the MEGA Lab’s research initiatives.