Molly Moynihan

Dr. Molly Moynihan serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University, where she leads the Coral Reef Geochemistry & Microbiology Lab (Reef GeM Lab). Her research bridges marine geology, biogeochemistry, and microbial ecology to investigate fundamental processes sustaining coral reef ecosystems.

Her academic training includes:

• Ph.D. in Marine Biogeochemistry from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2021)
• M.S. in Oceanography & Marine Environments from Sorbonne University, France (2014)
• B.S. in Earth Science from Cornell University (2011)

Dr. Moynihan's work centers on the intricate relationships between coral skeletons, endolithic microbes, and biogeochemical cycles. She employs isotope labeling, microsensor technology, and microbiome analysis to unravel how microbial communities within reef frameworks influence skeletal formation, mechanical properties, and nutrient cycling. A significant focus examines green sulfur bacteria in coral microenvironments and their role in sulfur cycling under changing environmental conditions. Her research has particular relevance for understanding coral resilience mechanisms in equatorial reef systems.

Analysis of her 11 publications (2012-2025) reveals a strategic evolution from coastal pollution studies toward specialized coral-microbe interactions. Recent work demonstrates sophisticated integration of biomechanical testing with microbial ecology, particularly in high-impact studies on Porites skeletal anisotropy (2022) and coral-associated nitrogen fixation (2022). Her research consistently targets equatorial reef systems, with fieldwork concentrated in the Singapore Strait and Southeast Asian waters.

Dr. Moynihan actively mentors graduate students through PhD recruitment in the Reef GeM Lab, emphasizing hands-on training in both field and advanced laboratory techniques. Her lab maintains operational funding through university support and collaborative grants with coral restoration initiatives, enabling participation in regional conservation efforts. Current projects focus on enhancing outplanted coral resilience through microbial community management.

The Reef GeM Lab operates as a dynamic research hub where field observations from active reef sites directly inform controlled laboratory experiments. The lab's collaborative framework connects FAU with international research institutions and local restoration practitioners, creating a pipeline from fundamental discovery to applied conservation solutions for threatened coral ecosystems.