Current research

My current work focuses on optimizing methods of sexual coral reproduction for research, restoration and ornamental trade with an emphasis on corals of the genus Acropora.

Parallel to research on coral propagation techniques I am part of a project assessing ecotoxicological effects of chemical compounds on different life stages of scleractinians.

Aquarium Curator

Since 2013, I am curator of the aquarium facilities of the Environmental Biochemistry group.

The focus of my work as aquarium curator lies on the long-term culture of corals that were bred from larvae in Guam and imported as coral recruits as well as the culture of brooding corals (Leptastrea purpurea) that allows a year-round collection of coral larvae.

PhD Project

The focus  of my PhD project lies on the adaptability of juvenile scleractinian corals and corallimorpharians to a changing environment, e.g. rising sea surface temperatures.

It has been suggested that juvenile scleractinians – similar to other juvenile organisms – have a larger physiological plasticity than adults. In contrast, the closely related corallimorphs are known to be very adaptive even as adult polyps.

Since coral reefs are threatened by a variety of mainly anthropogenic stressors it is crucial to understand the severity of these threats. Only by examining their consequences to coral communities, the limited resources available to reef conservation can be channeled into the most effective way.

In laboratory experiments in both Guam and Germany I conduct a variety of experiments with different coral species to determine the consequences of rising water for scleractinians and corallimorpharians.

Leptastrea purpurea: juveniles

Leptastrea purpurea, adult colony in Guam

CV

Doctoral degree: July 4th, 2020: “Effects of rising temperatures on the dinoflagellate symbioses of juvenile brooding corals and corallimorpharians”

Since 2014: PhD Scholar of the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung d. dt. Volkes e.V.)

Since: 2013: PhD Candidate in Marine Environmental Science, Carl-von-Ossietzky-University Oldenburg, Curator of the Aquarium Facilities at the ICBM Terramare

2011-2013: Study of Marine Environmental Science, Master Sc., Carl-von-Ossietzky-University Oldenburg

2007-2010: Study of Biology, Bachelor Sc., Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg

Researchgate profile

Dr. Samuel Nietzer

Tel.: +49-(0)4421-944-179
Fax: +49-(0)4421-944-140

E-Mail:

Standort:
ICBM Terramare
Schleusenstraße 1
26382 Wilhelmshaven
Germany
Lage/Anfahrt