jaaziel.garcia [at] upr dot edu

Jaaziel E. Garcia-Hernandez (B.S. Marine Science - University of Hawaii at Hilo, M.Sc. Biology - Ph.D. Marine Science at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez) is an aspiringmarine sponge taxonomist and ecologist. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree at the University of Puerto Rico- Mayagüez (UPRM), working under Dr. Nikolaos Schizas (Department of Marine Sciences).

My PhD dissertation focuses on understanding the ecological importance of sponges and corals within shallow and mesophotic coral reefs as OA2SIS for Biodiversity. More specifically, I collaborate with Xestospongia muta and Leptoseris cailleti, both ecosystem engineers, using them as model organisms to promote the conservation and restoration of the shallow and mesophotic coral reefs they inhabit. OA2SIS (Oscillators, Attractors & Amplifiers of Symbiotic Interactions between Species).

Jaaziel is an active AAUS scientific diver for UPRM-Marine Science Department, this gives him the opportunity to assist in various research projects outside his own. His passion for the underwater world does not lay solely on marine sponges, he also has a passion for underwater photography/videography, underwater exploration, and underwater archaeology.