The University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science will host the first of its Climate Caf\u00e9 lecture series October 29, 2025, featuring three coral researchers talking about the latest efforts to restore these vital ecosystems. In November, the second event will offer a window into how deep sea fish help regulate the earth\u2019s carbon cycle.<\/p>\n
The Climate Caf\u00e9 lecture series is a free public program designed to share cutting-edge science with the South Florida community. Moderated by Jenny Staletovich, award-winning WLRN NPR environment reporter, both fall events offer a conversation-style program featuring Rosenstiel School faculty members and collaborators in an informal, interactive space where participants can engage with scientists, students, and stakeholders shaping the region\u2019s environmental future. Discussions highlight new research in climate and environmental science, and how these insights can guide resilience and restoration policy in South Florida and beyond.<\/p>\n
The Future of Florida’s Coral Reef: New Approaches for Rebuilding Resilience<\/p>\n
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. reception, 4:30 p.m. program<\/p>\n
Coral scientists from the Rosenstiel School and its NOAA Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) will discuss the latest coral restoration research strategies, which aim to protect Florida\u2019s iconic reefs from rising ocean temperatures, disease, and pollution. Researchers will describe how they created what they hope will be more heat resilient corals by cross-breeding Florida\u2019s elkhorn corals with elkhorns from Honduras. These \u201cFlonduran\u201d corals are being used in a world-first attempt to help boost the climate resilience of Florida reefs. Researchers will also discuss microbe-assisted coral rearing, and insights from \u201curban corals\u201d thriving in extreme environments, like the Port of Miami.<\/p>\n
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Featured Speakers:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Andrew Baker, director, Coral Reef Futures Lab; professor, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Michael Studivan, associate scientist, University of Miami CIMAS, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Division<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ana Palacio, associate scientist, University of Miami CIMAS, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division<\/p>\n
Register for in person attendance here<\/a>. \u00a0\u00a0Register for online via Zoom here.<\/a><\/p>\n Hidden Engineers of the Deep\u2014How Fish Shape the Ocean\u2019s Carbon Cycle<\/p>\n Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. reception, 4:30 p.m. program<\/p>\n The second Climate Caf\u00e9 offers a conversation on groundbreaking research showing how deep-sea fish\u2014which constitute nearly 94% of global fish biomass\u2014play a vital role in regulating the planet\u2019s carbon cycle. Rosenstiel School scientists will share the first direct evidence that these species produce \u201cichthyocarbonates,\u201d or mineral particles that influence ocean chemistry and climate.<\/p>\n Featured Speakers:<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Martin Grosell, professor and chair, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Amanda Oehlert, assistant professor, Department of Marine Geosciences<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rachael Heuer, research assistant professor, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology<\/p>\n Register for in person attendance here<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0 Register for online via Zoom here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Climate Caf\u00e9 series is presented by William J. Gallwey, III, with support from the University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies. <\/p>\n