Morgan Bennett-Smith

Alumni and Former Staff

Research Interests

Morgan's previous research has ranged from ocean acidification and biomineralization in calcifying invertebrates to the impacts of reef sound plumes on larval recruitment in reef-associated fishes. He is broadly interested in coral reef ecology and the ways in which reef organisms (and others) adapt to change. 

Education

  • ​B.A., Biology with an emphasis in marine biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, 2017 

Professional Profile

  • ​2018-Present: M.Sc. Marine Science, KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia 
  • 2017-2018: NOAA North Pacific Groundfish Observer, Alaska, USA
  • 2016-2017: Occidental College Richter Fellow/Woods Hole Oceanographic Guest Researcher: Los Angeles, CA/U.S. Virgin Islands 
  • 2016: National Science Foundation REU Fellow, Woods Hole, MA
  • 2015-2017: Vantuna Research Group Undergrad Field Research Leader, Occidental Head Aquarist
  • 2014-2015: Undergraduate Research Technician, Vantuna Research Group, Occidental College 

Scientific and Professional Membership

  • ​American Academy of Underwater Sciences 
  • World Aquaculture Society Member 

Awards

  • ​Joseph and Sibyl Landon Scholarship Award
  • Louis W. Lewis Scholarship Award
  • Occidental College Biology Department Thesis Distinction Award 

KAUST Affiliations

  • ​Red Sea Research Center (RSRC)
  • Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)

Research Interests Keywords

Coral reef ecology Connectivity Larval recruitment Adaptation