Abstract. My research investigates the mechanisms responsible for maintaining aerobic performance in different types of coral reef fishes under predicted future CO2 levels in the ocean. If a variety of fishes (i.e., different types of swimmers from diverse habitats) use distinct mechanisms to respond to elevated pCO2 and ocean acidification conditions, there is the potential for changes in relative performance of populations, leading to altered fish communities. This research broadens our understanding of how physiological mechanisms used during exposure to elevated pCO2 will affect fish communities and coral reefs during future ocean acidification.

Biography. Kelly Hannan is a PhD student at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. She completed her BSc at Villanova University in Comprehensive Science and Biology (2011), followed by various jobs on islands in The Bahamas performing research or teaching marine biology courses. While working on a field station she met her MSc advisor, A/Prof. Cory Suski. She joined his lab at the University of Illinois where she earned a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, examining the physiological effects of carbon dioxide on freshwater mussels. Currently, Kelly is working on her PhD, supervised by A/Prof. Jodie Rummer and Prof. Phil Munday.