HELLO, I'M
Morgan Farrell
Inventor of ReefTiles Technology
Coral Reef Microbiology and Synthetic Biology
Morgan Farrell
PhD Student
Joint Doctoral Program San Diego State University and University of California San Diego
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About
I am a marine microbiologist with a background in coral ecology. I am currently pursuing a PhD through a joint degree with University of San Diego and San Diego State University. Here, I am studying host-microbe interactions with in marine invertebrates by designing genetic tools that can be used to interrogate how microbes communicate with eukaryotic hosts. As a coral ecologist worked with the University of Florida and started a coral restoration program at the non-profit Fundación Grupo Puntacana. I completed my Master's degree collaborating with several institutions including San Francisco State University, California Academy of Science and the Estuary and Ocean Science Center, studying coral microbiome changes in response to changing environments.
ReefTiles are an innovative method to increase marine animal settlement for reliable propagation.
Why is Settlement Important?
Settlement is the process that many marine invertebrates go through to transition from a baby to an adult.
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Settlement on a surface dictates the heath and future of that animal.
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Being able to increase settlement can improve restoration, food production, and aquarium propagation.
How are ReefTiles Different?
ReefTiles are unique in their ability to
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Reliably induce settlement
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Increase settlement rates from traditional methods
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Have a long shelf-life
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Can be manufactured
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Uses of ReefTiles
Environmental Restoration
Aquaculture
Aquarium Trade
Education
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Education
Ph.D. Joint Doctoral Program
2021-Present
San Diego State University and University of California San Diego
Cell and Molecular Biology GPA: 4.0
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M.Sc. Interdisciplinary Marine and Estuarine Science
2021-2018
San Francisco State University GPA: 4.0
B.Sc. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
2016-2012
University of Florida Major GPA: 3.85
Awards
University Graduate Fellowship, SDSU
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award Department of Biology, SDSU
Provost’s Award for SDSU Student Symposium, SDSU
RIPTIDES National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Fellowship, SFSU
Certifications
SCUBA certified with the certifications through NAUI: Advanced diver, Rescue diver, CPR/First Aid responder, Nitrox diver, and Hazmat trained.
American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Scientific diver certification.
Emergency Oxygen Provider certification through PADI.
