Student-faculty research paper accepted for prestigious publication

A research paper co-authored by a former and current University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo student and their faculty research advisor has been accepted for publication in the premier peer-reviewed journal Coral Reefs.

The research conducted by John Burns, a recent graduate from the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Master’s Program, Nigel Rozet, a marine science undergraduate intern supported by the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduate program, and Dr. Misaki Takabayashi, associate professor of marine science, describes a disease called “growth anomaly” in a Hawaiian endemic “rice coral", which is prevalent in various areas along Hawai‘i Island’s coastline.

Takabayashi and several UH Hilo students are conducting additional research that investigates the cause and impact of the coral diseases on the island’s coastal environment. Burns plans to participate in the research as a PhD student at UH Mānoa beginning fall 2011.