HRI Coral Chair Keisha Bahr Named Early-Career Research Fellow By The Gulf Research Program

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Dr. Keisha Bahr, the Chair for Coral Reef and Ocean Health at the Harte Research Institute (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), was recently named an Early-Career Research Fellow by The Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

Bahr is one of eight fellows selected for the Environmental Protection and Stewardship track and will be working “toward advancing scientific knowledge in the design, implementation, and evaluation of nature-based solutions that enhance ecosystem health and community resilience to extreme weather in the Gulf region.”

By participating in efforts such as Operation Coral Rescue 2.0 — which brought back more than 200 endangered corals from the Florida Keys to Texas — and NOAA’s annual Flower Garden Banks assessment, Bahr’s Coral Reef and Ocean Health Lab is leading the way in critical coral research across the Gulf and beyond. This work provides essential data on corals and coral resilience that can be used to help restore and protect reefs around the world.

The fellowship supports researchers in the pre-tenure phase of their careers with a $76,000 award and dedicated mentoring. It provides scientists with the freedom to take risks on untested research ideas, pursue unique collaborations, and expand their professional networks.

“It’s an honor to receive this fellowship, as it gives us the opportunity to pursue bold, innovative research that can make a real difference for coral reefs and coastal communities,” Bahr said. “I’m excited to advance work that helps protect the Gulf for generations to come.”

This recognition not only recognizes Dr. Bahr and the Coral Lab’s groundbreaking work but also exemplifies HRI’s leadership in coral conservation and Gulf ecosystem research, opening new doors for impactful science, collaboration, and visibility across the region.

To learn more about Dr. Bahr and the Coral Reef and Ocean Health Lab go to harteresearch.org.