Art of Science: Fragile Frameworks

Alejandra Coronel-Zegarra studies the intricate patterns of coral under a microscope to better understand how disease impacts their growth and integrity under the mentorship of Vivian Merk, Ph.D., assistant professor in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

This research is vital to coral restoration efforts as well as protection for the marine life whose lives depend on the coral systems for a habitat, said Coronel-Zegarra, a doctoral student in FAU’s College of Science.

In her coral comparative studies, she has investigated the effects of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease on the coral skeleton. Understanding these changes has implications for coral restoration, where preserving or rebuilding coral structures is key to long-term reef survival.

“These structural changes matter because the coral skeleton is the foundation of the entire reef ecosystem,” Coronel-Zegarra said. “If it’s compromised, everything that depends on it is affected.”

Through her research, she’s also discovered the beauty found in the coral patterns and recently earned top recognition in FAU’s annual Art of Science photography contest. Her winning image, titled Skeletal Secrets, highlights the power of visual research to communicate beyond the lab, Coronel-Zegarra said.

“With the naked eye, coral doesn’t look like this,” she said. “Images like this allow people to see what scientists see – and to appreciate the complexity that lies beneath the surface.”