Isabela Cunio
Education & Professional Experience
Employment & Academic Institutions
December 2022 - Present
Sociedad Ambiente Marino
I work as a field scientist and data analyst for Sociedad Ambiente Marino (SAM) in Culebra, Puerto Rico. My role include: handling of live corals, building underwater structures (farms, etc.), working with tools underwater, underwater photography, boat and gear handling and maintenance. Through these tasks, I have honed my teamwork abilities and developed a proactive approach to problem-solving, always prioritizing the group's best interest.
August 2022 - Expected December 2024
Universidad Ana G Mendez, Gurabo
I am completing my Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences with a specialization in Environmental Analysis at the University of Ana G. Méndez, Gurabo Campus. My research, conducted in Dr. Alex Mercado Molina’s laboratory, focuses on Lower growth rates and higher susceptibility to bleaching in the coral Acropora cervicornis linked to zones of high wave energy.
In addition to technical skills, I have developed leadership and problem-solving abilities as the director of field trips associated with my project.
August 2018 - May 2022
Colgate University
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Global, Environmental, and Public Health at Colgate University. Under the mentorship of Dr. Bineyam Taye, I conducted and presented research titled, Effect of mass deworming on the risk of atopy and allergic disorders among school-aged children in central Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study, at the 2021 Stanford Global Health Research Symposium and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health Symposium.
Additionally, my thesis research, Effects of human-animal interference on the gastrointestinal bacterial microbiome: A comparative cross-sectional study of human-canine owner-pet pairs, enhanced my expertise in DNA related studies.
Current Research
May 2023 - August 2024
Lower growth rates and higher susceptibility to bleaching in the coral Acropora cervicornis linked to zones of high wave energy.
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The global coral bleaching event of 2023, driven by record-high ocean temperatures, underscores the urgency of addressing coral bleaching vulnerability. While rising temperatures are a primary driver of global coral bleaching, large-scale mitigation through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions remains a long-term goal. In the interim, localized strategies are essential to support coral resilience and mitigate damage in anticipation of global thermally charged bleaching events. This study aimed to examine the relationship between environmental variables and the causes, patterns, and demographic consequences of bleaching in three restored populations of the threatened keystone coral Acropora cervicornis in Culebra, Puerto Rico. These populations were situated on reefs with distinct thermal dynamics, light intensity, sedimentation rates, nutrient concentrations, and wave energy.
We achieved our objective by (1) quantifying differences in these environmental variables across the three reef sites, (2) monitoring coral survival, bleaching, and growth rates over a year, (3) comparing coral growth rates and survival probability before, during, and after bleaching, (4) ranking demographic performance between reefs, and (5) assessing the influence of each environmental variable on coral bleaching and growth rates. Preliminary results indicated the lowest survivorship at the site characterized by high wave energy, despite otherwise favorable conditions including normal temperature range, moderate light intensity, and low sedimentation rates. This finding highlights the overriding influence of wave energy on coral bleaching and mortality.
Our study emphasizes the importance of understanding site-specific environmental drivers of coral bleaching and survival, specifically when selecting reef locations for coral restoration projects. Pre-assessment of environmental conditions, coupled with tailored site management strategies, can enhance transplant survival and resilience. By exploring the complex response of A. cervicornis to localized environmental conditions, this research provides critical insights for developing sustainable coral restoration and conservation practices in the face of ongoing climate change.