Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

The Coral Reef and Ocean Health (CROH) research group (formerly known as the Bahr Lab) would not exist without the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Paul Jokiel. Dr. Jokiel was a giant in the field of coral reef ecology. He was the founder of the Coral Reef Ecology Lab at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology. Over the span of his 50 year career, Dr. Jokiel was always well ahead of the times, whether it was describing thermal stress in the 70s, U/V light, photo-inhibition, and dispersal in the 80s, water motion, monitoring, coral physiology, and, community metabolism in the 90’s and more recently helping us understand the impact of humanity and climate change.

Dr. Paul Jokiel provided exceptional mentoring to his students and had a meaningful and lasting contribution to marine science and all humanity by serving a cause greater than his own.

After the unexpected passing of Dr. Jokiel, Drs. Kuʻulei Rodgers and Keisha Bahr are committed to continuing Dr. Jokiel's legacy. This was supported by Dr. Rob Toonen, who provided resources, funding, and continued guidance and support. Together, we carry on Dr. Paul Jokiel’s legacy to serve those greater causes.

Because we recognize the importance of standing on the shoulders of giants, the CROH Lab is deeply committed to building upon the foundation laid by coral reef pioneers at the Harte Research Institute. Dr. John “Wes” Tunnell Jr. devoted more than 40 years to shaping the future of marine science as an educator, mentor, coral reef ecologist, and conservationist in the Coastal Bend. As the founder of the Center for Coastal Studies and a founding member of the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Dr. Tunnell served as a remarkable steward of science and conservation throughout the Gulf of Mexico and across international waters. His lasting legacy—as a researcher, teacher, and champion of collaborative conservation—continues to guide and inspire our work today. The Coral Reef and Ocean Health Research Group honors his vision by advancing innovative coral reef science and strengthening the partnerships and cross-border collaborations that he so passionately championed.

Our Mission

The mission of the CROH is to continue the research legacy and lifelong goals of Drs. Paul Jokiel and Wes Tunnell. We aim to contribute knowledge, tools, and solutions to our ever-growing problems facing our fragile marine ecosystems, while providing exceptional training and mentorship to tomorrow’s ocean leaders.

The Bahr Marine Ecology Lab Summer 2023 Moku o Loʻe, Hawaiʻi

Ridges to Reefs research study abroad Summer 2022 Belize

The Bahr Marine Ecology Lab Summer 2022 Moku o Loʻe, Hawaiʻi

The Bahr Marine Ecology Lab Summer 2021 Moku o Loʻe, Hawaiʻi