Colin is a marine scientist and storyteller dedicated to coral reef research, conservation stewardship. Colin’s research focuses on tropical marine ecology, coral conservation, genomics, and bioinformatics.

About

MarineSci4Life
A platform led by marine scientist Colin Howe, dedicated to understanding and protecting tropical marine ecosystems from reefs to microbes and expanding access to science for the next generation of ocean stewards.

MarineSci4Life blends research, fieldwork, mentorship, and storytelling to foster a deeper connection between people and the ocean, especially across Caribbean Island communities where Colin’s scientific journey began.

About: Colin Howe

Colin Howe is a marine scientist whose work is rooted in the tropical waters of the Caribbean. His connection to the ocean began in childhood. During family visits to the commonwealth of Dominica, he experienced firsthand the deep cultural and ecological bonds that shape island life. Those early encounters laid the foundation for a scientific identity built on curiosity, belonging, and a commitment to conservation.

Colin had forged a clear path toward marine science by the time he completed his undergraduate degree at Old Dominion University. His early internships, field experience, and transformative time working abroad in Bonaire, strengthened his science identity and expertise in teaching coral reef ecology. Each experience effectively merged education with exposure to wild natural and biodiverse places. Ultimately, this deepened his appreciation for the power behind connecting STEM education, experience-based learning, and scientific mentorship.

Colin’s career thrived when he joined the University of the Virgin Islands as a graduate research assistant. There, he became an accomplished scientific diver. He participated in benthic surveys for both territorial and national monitoring programs and received advanced Nitrox and Decompression (Deco) scuba certification to study mesophotic coral reefs. He was also responsible for coral restoration efforts including coral nursery management and out-planting coral fragments.

In 2020, Colin joined Dr. Mónica Medina’s laboratory at Penn State University after participating in the inaugural NSF Summer Bridge to PhD Program. The experience expanded his scientific autonomy and introduced him to genomics, symbiosis research, and microbial ecology. Colin is now completing his PhD. He is combining field ecology, molecular tools, and computational approaches. His aim is to study coral health, evolution, and conservation.

Research for Resilient Reefs and Communities

Colin’s research explores tropical marine ecosystems to understand how best to conserve and protect these biodiverse and beautiful places.

Picture of Colin in a recent trip to Dominica

Colin’s work integrates:

• Coral Reef Ecology – Long-term monitoring, health assessments, coral husbandry and restoration.
• Genomics, Ecology & Bioinformatics – Using field, bench and computational skills to learn how coral microbiomes are structured across the tree of Scleractinia and their eco-evolutionary relationship within coral holobionts.
• Computational modeling – Model how coral restoration and natural hybridization influences coral population genetics over ecological and evolutionary timescales.
•Coral Ancient DNA (coraDNA) – Applied breakthrough lab-based training to process and extract DNA from coral skeleton cores collected offshore from Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

A depiction of time through a swirl clock moving throughout the ocean and corals.

September 2024

A paleogenomic approach to reconstruct historical responses of coral reefs to anthropogenic change

Abstract

Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to anthropogenic-driven environmental change. The foundation and health of these ecosystems rely on the harmonious functioning of all members of coral holobionts, i.e., cnidarian host, symbiotic microalgae, and associated microbiome. Coral stress responses often involve shifts in the taxonomic identity of their symbionts and microbiomes. Tracing back changes in coral holobiont composition over prolonged time periods can help us reconstruct health history of reefs and gain a better understanding of coral response to current stressors. Here, we focused on a major Caribbean reef-builder coral, Orbicella faveolata, from the Varadero Reef, Colombia. This reef has undergone extensive freshwater sediment discharge for decades as result of urbanization. We show, for the first time, that paleogenomic and paleoclimatic approaches can be combined to reconstruct historical, coral holobiont dynamics potentially associated with anthropogenic disturbances.

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Illustration of invasive fish species in seagrass

Nov 2017

Altered juvenile fish communities associated with invasive Halophila stipulacea seagrass habitats in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Abstract

Caribbean seagrass habitats provide food and protection for reef-associated juvenile fish. The invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea is rapidly altering these seascapes. Since its arrival in the Caribbean in 2002, H. stipulacea has colonized and displaced native seagrasses, but the function of this invasive seagrass as a juvenile fish habitat remains unknown. To compare diversity, community structure, and abundance of juvenile fish between H. stipulacea and native seagrass beds, fish traps were deployed in four nearshore bays around St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Traps were deployed in Frenchman, Lindbergh, and Sprat Bays for 24 h intervals in patches of bare sand, patches of H. stipulacea and patches of the native Caribbean seagrasses Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme. Traps were then deployed in Brewers Bay for 12 h intervals in stands of H. stipulacea and S. filiforme. Relative and total abundances of juvenile fish, identified at least to family, were compared across treatment habitats for each trap deployment period. The catch from H. stipulacea, compared to native seagrasses, comprised a greater abundance of nocturnal carnivores Lutjanus synagris (family Lutjanidae) and Haemulon flavolineatum (family Haemulidae). Additionally, the herbivore species Sparisoma aurofrenatum (family Labridae) and Acanthurus bahianus (family Acanthuridae) and the diurnal carnivore species Pseudopeneus maculatus (family Mullidae) were relatively scarce in H. stipulacea. The catch from sand was much smaller, compared to vegetated habitats, and comprised only L. synagris, H. flavolineatum, and H. aurolineatum. These results provide evidence of reduced family diversity and altered juvenile fish assemblages in H. stipulacea, driven by an abundance of some nocturnal carnivores and scarcity of herbivores and diurnal carnivores. The findings from the present work underpin the need for further investigation and mitigation of this invasion, particularly where H. stipulacea is driving seascape-alterations of key juvenile fish habitats.

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Illustration of Scuba Divers swiming near a coral reef

December 2015

The effect of recreational SCUBA divers on the structural complexity and benthic assemblage of a Caribbean coral reef

Abstract

The effect of recreational SCUBA diving on coral reefs is likely secondary to many of the commonly cited stressors that threaten the long-term survival of coral reefs, such as rising temperatures. However, recreational SCUBA diving has had documented effects on various benthic organisms. Most research on the effect of SCUBA divers has focused on broken and abraded benthic organisms or the rate at which divers contact the benthos. We tested for differences in the structural complexity and benthic assemblage between pairs of heavily and lightly trafficked dive sites in Bonaire, a popular Carribbean diving destination. There was roughly 10 % less structural complexity in areas of heavy traffic. This is alarming given that the structural complexity of shallow reefs in Bonaire is substantially lower than in the 1970s. Different functional groups of benthic organisms were affected differentially by diving traffic. For instance, massive corals such as Orbicella annularis were 31 % less abundant at heavy than light diver traffic areas, while gorgonians and sponges had similar abundances at heavy and light diver traffic areas. Our results match those of previous studies on the resistance and resilience of tropical benthic reef organisms to physical disturbances that suggest that stony corals are more prone to physical damage than gorgonians and sponges. We provide a number of possible management strategies that could reduce the effects of recreational SCUBA divers on Bonaire and elsewhere, including education/intervention by dive guides and concentration of diving traffic away from areas of stony coral abundance.

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Scientific Leadership

The Gilliam Fellowship: Vision & Impact

The Gilliam Fellowship supports graduate scientists who demonstrate research excellence alongside a sustained commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and leadership in STEM. As a Gilliam Fellow, Colin Howe advances this mission through his work with MarineSci4Life, integrating rigorous marine science research with experiential learning and mentorship.

Fellowship Website

“Through science and education, we can change the world”

Support from the Gilliam Fellowship enables Colin and Dr. Medina to expand experiential learning opportunities for students interested in marine science. With the end of funding for the Bridge Program and CBIOS Fellowship, Gilliam support helps sustain efforts to:

• Develop new field-based and molecular research experiences.
• Produce accessible marine science content for Caribbean Island communities.
• Continue building pipelines that welcome students from marginalized backgrounds into STEM.
• Strengthen Colin’s training in genomics, bioinformatics, and modeling as he completes his PhD and prepares for an academic career.

The fellowship amplifies the reach of MarineSci4Life by supporting programs that blend science, culture, and community.

Photography of the Gilliam Fellowship Annual Meeting. — Gilliam Fellows regular gatherings — including the Gilliam Annual Meeting and HHMI Science Meetings — offer meaningful opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships.

Selfie of Colin Howe on hhmi annual meeting

“Our scientists pursue bold ideas to make breakthroughs in our fundamental understanding of biology and human health.”

Penn State graduate student and adviser pair awarded HHMI Gilliam Fellowship

Photography of Dr. Monica Medina and Colin Howe for article by Penn State.

“It feels surreal to be recognized and accepted into the Gilliam family at HHMI. I am thrilled to join such a prestigious community and to learn from talented, motivated, and successful scientists and researchers,” said Howe. “Support from the Gilliam [Fellowship] will allow us to continue advocating for underrepresented minorities in marine science and bring awareness to the utility of biological and environmental conservation and education.”

Read the article

Colin and a group of colleagues in a symposium.

Colin’s leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, inclusion, and the belief that scientific excellence must be paired with equitable access. His leadership journey began as an undergraduate, when he co-founded the Marine Biology Student Association at Old Dominion University to address the lack of diversity in marine science. As president, he organized trainings, facilitated scuba certifications, and secured travel grants for students attending national conferences.

Since then, he has taken on roles in coral restoration leadership, project management, science communication, and program development. At Penn State, he has been a key contributor to the Summer Bridge Planning Committee, shaping a program that supports underrepresented students transitioning into doctoral research.

Colin’s work extends beyond academia. Through videos, blogs, social media, and public-facing science communication, he shares both his research and his experiences as a Black marine scientist, offering visibility and representation for future generations.

Group of Marine biologist during the rescue activities

Colin Howe cleaning and analyzing how to rescue a coral.

Colin Howe Scuba diving and cleaning mission in Florida.

Colin Howe rescuing a coral in Florida during AZA project.

AZA Coral Reef Tract Rescue Project

The AZA-Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project (AZA-FRTRP) is an AZA member-driven coral rescue and conservation network focused on the rescue, housing and future propagation of Florida corals affected by stony coral tissue loss disease. The AZA-FRTRP is a project within the AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Coral Program.

FRTRP membership includes 21 zoos and aquariums
Coral holding facilities located in 14 U.S. states

Visit AZA website

Experiential Learning & Mentorship

At the core of MarineSci4Life is Colin’s belief that students learn best when they can connect coursework, laboratory skills, and field experiences. His teaching and mentoring draw on:

• Study-abroad instruction in the Dutch Antilles, where he guided students through seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs.
• Leadership in the NSF Summer Bridge to PhD Program, mentoring students from Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in microbial ecology and metagenomics.
• Curriculum development at Penn State, where he has contributed to course design, training activities, and program planning.
• Mentoring graduate students in coral microbiome research, guiding them from DNA extractions to sequencing and manuscript preparation.

Colin is committed to supporting students—especially those from underrepresented groups—by cultivating autonomy, confidence, and scientific identity

Fieldwork & Media

Science communication is a central element of Colin’s work. He develops video content, storytelling projects, and public-facing explanations of coral ecology, restoration, and genomics. His media content highlights both the science and the people behind it—students, collaborators, island communities, and fellow researchers.

Cover of video during beach cleaning campaign.

Coral Reefs | Conservation| Community

A Symbiosis Written in DNA.

About

Research

Research for Resilient Reefs and Communities

A paleogenomic approach to reconstruct historical responses of coral reefs to anthropogenic change

Altered juvenile fish communities associated with invasive Halophila stipulacea seagrass habitats in the U.S. Virgin Islands

The effect of recreational SCUBA divers on the structural complexity and benthic assemblage of a Caribbean coral reef

Scientific Leadership

Penn State graduate student and adviser pair awarded HHMI Gilliam Fellowship

AZA Coral Reef Tract Rescue Project

Fieldwork & Media

Contact

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