معرفی
Ben Mason is a former Research Fellow at James Cook University's ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. His work focuses on coral reproduction, larval biology, and the impacts of environmental stressors like ocean acidification and climate change. He holds a PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Miami and has conducted postdoctoral research at the ARC Centre, supported by an NSF International Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Education:
- B.S. in Biology/Environmental Science (Allegheny College, 2000)
- M.S. in Marine Biology (University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2004)
- Ph.D. in Marine Biology (University of Miami, 2011)
Research Interests: Ben investigates coral sensory biology, particularly photo- and chemoreception mechanisms in larvae, and the effects of environmental changes on coral recruitment and survival. His work integrates molecular genetics, ecological experiments, and climate modeling to address reef resilience. Key topics include coral larval settlement cues, microbiome interactions, and the evolutionary basis of stress tolerance.
Publications: His recent work explores coral opsins, antimicrobial peptides, and ocean acidification impacts, reflecting a focus on molecular adaptations and ecosystem-level consequences of climate change. Over 15 peer-reviewed articles since 2008 highlight contributions to coral reproductive physiology, larval ecology, and conservation biology.
Affiliations: Ben was a core member of the ARC Centre's 'People and Ecosystems' research stream, examining human-socioecological linkages in coral reef systems. His interdisciplinary approach bridges marine biology, environmental chemistry, and conservation policy.
Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the ARC Centre's Coral Larval Biology Lab and the Climate Change Impacts Team, focusing on experimental and field studies in tropical marine environments.
