Rhian Waller

Rhian Waller is an Associate Professor at the School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine. Her research focuses on deep-sea invertebrate reproduction, cold-water corals, and biogeography. She holds a Ph.D. from the Southampton Oceanography Centre, UK (2004).

Research Interests: Waller investigates larval development mechanisms in deep-sea corals, environmental impacts on reproductive strategies, and population connectivity using microscopy (SEM/TEM), genetic analysis, and geographic databases. Current projects span from Arctic to Antarctic regions, including studies on Gulf of Maine coral habitats and Alaskan Red Tree coral reproduction.

Grants & Collaborations: Secured over $1.2M in funding from NSF, NOAA, and WHOI for projects like 'Stepping Stones Across the Atlantic' and 'Paleogenetics of Mediterranean Corals'. Collaborates internationally with institutions like the USGS and Chile’s Huinay Foundation.

Publications: Recent work emphasizes coral reproductive biology (e.g., Hawaiian black corals), larval dispersal patterns, and deep-sea coral biogeography. Articles highlight applications of ancient DNA techniques and hydrothermal vent colonization studies.

Labs & Teams: Leads a laboratory offering undergraduate training in marine microscopy, histology, and genetic analysis, supporting students pursuing graduate studies.