ECOLOGICAL TEAM

Dr. Stuart Sandin

Principal Investigator

Dr. Sandin, a Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and leads a group of ecologists, biologists, and computer engineers on the 100 Island Challenge Team. Through the lens of community ecology, he investigates the spatial patterning of coral reefs worldwide.

Dr. Jennifer Smith

Co-Principal Investigator

Dr. Smith is a Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She brings her expertise to lead the analysis of benthic surveys. Her interests are in determining how various physical and biological processes affect the structure and function of marine communities.

Dr. Brian Zgliczynski

Project Coordinator

Dr. Zgliczynski, coordinates all aspects of the project, including study design, island selection, field logistics, and fish assemblage assessments. As the engine behind the 100 Island Challenge, he builds connections to keep the effort running efficiently.

Clinton Edwards

PhD Student

Clinton is a marine ecologist completing his PhD as part of the 100 Island Challenge team. He has worked on large-area imaging projects since the inception of our efforts at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Clinton helps to develop, execute and improve the protocols used today.

Lindsay Bonito

Lindsay is a staff researcher who manages the day-to-day logistics of the 100 Island Challenge, from expedition preparation to field data collection. Lindsay leads efforts to define the human dimension across the islands, understanding the role humans have in shaping large-scale patterns on reefs.

Chris Sullivan

Chris is a staff researcher who manages the day-to-day logistics of the 100 Island Challenge, from expedition preparation to field collection. Chris leads efforts on data storage, access, and management, making sure that the assets collected today remain available for generations to come.

Nicole Pedersen

Nicole is a staff researcher who leads the processing and analysis of the image-based data products. Nicole used large-scale images to assess spatial patterns of juvenile corals for her Master’s thesis, and brings this experience to the team and sharing with the many students and volunteers engaged with the project.

Sam Clements

Sam is a staff researcher with particular expertise in coral taxonomy. Sam uses these skills both as a core diver for field deployments and in the laboratory in the post-processing of image-based data.

Esmeralda Alcantar

Esmeralda is a staff researcher who is foundational to the image processing pipeline. With taxonomic experience in benthic taxa from the Caribbean to the Pacific, Esmeralda serves as a reference source for the junior scientists gaining experience through the 100 Island Challenge.