Claire Bardin
HIMB Coral Nursery Senior Aquarist
Email: cbardin@nullhawaii.edu
My career in marine biology began the first time I sat on a surfboard at two months old. Since then, I have committed myself to learning about and finding ways to protect our oceans. Volunteering at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium solidified that I wanted to pursue a degree in marine biology, which led me to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa where I volunteered at the Waikiki Aquarium, got introduced to the ToBo Lab, and earned my bachelors degree.
Starting as an undergraduate intern in the ToBo Lab, I helped out graduate students and post-docs conducting microfragmentation experiments on Hawaiian corals. In collaboration with a Donahue Lab graduate student, I conducted my own research project on the seasonal variability of initial biofilm development. Now as a full-time employee, I still help with all the projects happening at the Coral Nursery and in our tank system. Our experiments are meant to aid in active reef restoration here in Hawaiʻi. Additionally, I assist Chris with the management and maintenance of the Nursery.
