Luis Gutierrez

I am a sixth year PhD student in the Biology and Society program within the School of Life Sciences. My research is primarily focused on using species level traits to identify climate vulnerable corals and their ecological roles within reef systems. With these traits in mind we can make more informed projections on how reefs systems will be transformed should climate stress continue to impact coral populations.

As a Phoenix native I did not have many opportunities to build a foundation in marine science. Still, my passion for nature and the ocean drove me to continue to pursue a career working with corals and reef systems. My other interests include science outreach, having worked with the public as an aquarium educator and graduating with a certificate in environmental education.

I help out in the Roger lab for some extra hands-on experience working with live marine organisms.

After finishing my PhD I plan to continue researching corals and climate change to hopefully find holistic solutions that benefit both nature and people.