We use interdisciplinary approaches involving biology, chemistry, and physics to study the bioluminescence of marine organisms such as dinoflagellates.

Current areas of interest

• Stimulation of bioluminescence: Studying how mechanical stress stimulates bioluminescence in dinoflagellates, including deciphering the proteins involved in the mechanosensitive signaling pathways, and how cell mechanics affects physiological sensitivity.
• Luminescent flow visualization: Using dinoflagellate bioluminescence as a calibrated flow marker to visualize flows of oceanographic and engineering importance.
• Ecology of Caribbean bioluminescent bays : Studying the environmental conditions that contribute to bright bioluminescence in these ecological wonders.
• Bioluminescence assays : Using bioluminescence as a sensitive assay for sublethal toxicity of marine pollutants such as metals.
• Bioluminescence as an art form: Collaborating with artists to express the beauty and wonder of bioluminescence.