Bio Summary:

• Bio: Dr. Forest Rohwer is a pioneering microbial ecologist and Professor of Biology at San Diego State University, renowned for his groundbreaking work in coral reef microbiology and viral ecology. He introduced the field of "viromics," employing metagenomic techniques to study viral communities in various ecosystems, including coral reefs and the human body. His research has revealed that viruses are among the most diverse and influential life forms on Earth, playing crucial roles in ecosystem health and disease. 
• Dr. Rohwer's concept of the "coral holobiont", the idea that corals function as integrated units with their associated microbes, has significantly advanced our understanding of coral resilience and adaptation. He also identified the process of "microbialization," where human-induced stressors lead to microbial overgrowth, contributing to coral reef decline. 
• As the lead investigator of the Coral Reef Arks initiative, Dr. Rohwer spearheads the development of floating midwater structures designed to preserve and restore coral reef biodiversity. These Arks serve as refuges for reef organisms, facilitating research and conservation efforts in the face of climate change. 
• Dr. Rohwer was previously listed in Thomson Rueter’s top 40 most influential scientific minds in the world. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including fellowships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. He has authored over 180 scientific publications and two books, notably "Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas," which explores the intricate relationships between microbes and coral reef ecosystems. 
• Through his innovative research and leadership, Dr. Rohwer continues to shape the field of marine ecology, offering vital insights into the preservation and restoration of coral reefs worldwide.

Role at Coral Reef Arks

• As one of the founders of the Ark system, Forest has  designed and tested reef modules that function not just as coral scaffolds, but as living frameworks for microbial, viral, and benthic community reassembly. He conceptualized and co-developed the Arks and their deployment protocol and leads long-term monitoring and performance analytics across pilot sites.

“We’re not just planting coral. We’re rebuilding the language of the reef—microbes, fish, flow, light, chemistry—everything that makes a reef alive.”