Researchers
Students
Alumni
ManagementRyan Lowe
Professor, Chief Investigator and Program 3 Leader
Ph.D. Stanford University • M.S. Stanford University • B.S. University of California
University of Western Australia
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au
Professor, Chief Investigator and Program 3 Leader
Ph.D. Stanford University • M.S. Stanford University • B.S. University of California
University of Western Australia
My research involves the study of how oceanic and atmospheric forcing drives the circulation and distribution of wave energy within a broad range of coastal systems (e.g., on beaches, coral reefs, rocky shorelines, and in estuaries). In most cases, this work is motivated by the need to improve our understanding of the coupling between hydrodynamics and other key processes occurring in marine environments, such as sediment transport, biogeochemical cycling and spatial ecology. As part of this work, I employ a wide range of field, laboratory and numerical modelling techniques. Major research interests include:
Coastal and estuarine hydrodynamics
Numerical modelling of waves and coastal circulation
Coastal sediment transport
Remote sensing of coastal systems
Benthic boundary layer and canopy flow dynamics
Biophysical interactions in marine systems
A new study illustrates the potential impact of recurrent heatwaves on coral species collected by the Australian aquarium coral industry. The study’s lead author, Professor Morgan Pratchett from
One of the world’s finest water quality scientists, Dr Jon Brodie, has passed away. However, the crucial work he dedicated his life to—which included protecting the Great Barrier Reef—will benef
A new study reveals the diets of reef fish dictate how fast different species evolve. The breakthrough adds another piece to the fascinating evolutionary puzzle of coral reefs and the fishes that live
An innovative new assessment process shows the iconic Shark Bay World Heritage property in Western Australia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Associate Professor Scott Heron a
Abstract: Coral reefs are dynamic and complex systems, and hence have ability teach us about fundamental principles of community ecology. One long-standing interest is learning how ecological communi
Abstract: Most of the world’s population live within 100km of a coastline and depend on coastal marine ecosystems for sustenance, shoreline protection, and economic resources. Because our shoreline
Abstract: Overexploitation from direct fishing and bycatch devastated shark populations around the world, leaving considerable doubt as to their ecological status. Yet much of what is known about sta
Abstract: Early life history stages of marine organisms can be difficult to study in the field, in part due to their inherently small size. Understanding to what extent early post-settlement processe
Abstract: The ocean and marine biodiversity are changing rapidly, requiring multiple and diverse conservation and management approaches. Much academic research attempts to objectively study conservat
Abstract: The dynamics of metapopulations are governed by many factors, including the spatial structure of populations across the landscape, life-history characteristics, demographic processes, and t
Abstract: I will start with a brief overview of the importance of movement as an element of ecological adaptation to environmental change. I will then consider two examples, both involving birds, of
Abstract: Achieving sustainable development requires scientists, decision-makers and practitioners to understand and work with synergies and trade-offs among the social, economic and environmental co
Partner Research Institutions
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au