[Coral-List] CCMI Announces First Women in Ocean Science Award Scholar- Dr. Sarah Gignoux-Wolfsohn

[Beth Chafin]

CCMI Announces First Women in Ocean Science Award Scholar- Dr. Sarah Gignoux-Wolfsohn

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s (CCMI) President and CEO, Dr. Carrie Manfrino, and the WIOSA Advisory Council are pleased to announce the first Women in Ocean Science Award (WIOSA) scholar, Dr. Sarah Gignoux-Wolfsohn, who is studying the effects of bivalve community diversity on the distribution of pathogens and related microbial communities at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Centre.

Dr. Gignoux-Wolfsohn was chosen for the WIOSA Scholarship through a competitive application process that included applicants from more than 10 countries and some of the best research labs in the world. Dr. Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, Director of Research and Distinguished Scientist at CCMI, has been impressed by the range and calibre of applicants, resulting in Dr. Gignoux-Wolfsohn being identified as the wining scholar stating, “We are thrilled to be giving the first WIOSA Scholar to Dr. Gignoux-Wolfsohn. She is a shining example of productivity in the face of hardship; with an excellent publication record and strong determination, she is sure to become a leader in ocean science. Her focus on coral disease transmission is timely and relevant, and it perfectly complements the current research programmes at CCMI. We are excited to begin a long-lasting collaboration with her.”

Dr. Gignoux-Wolfsohn’s winning application, which was selected by the WIOSA panel that includes Dr. Carrie Manfrino, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Dr. Amy Apprill, Dr. Christine Ferrier-Pages, Dr. Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley and Dr. Hollie Putnum, outlined a project to examine the effects of coral reef community diversity on coral health. Dr. Gignoux-Wolfsohn, as the first WIOSA scholar, has set a high bar.

She said, “I am very excited to be the first recipient of the WIOSA. I am honoured to have been chosen by the amazing scientists at CCMI and WIOSA advisors. I am looking forward to contributing to the amazing woman-led research programmes at CCMI and to help mentor the next generation of female scientists. This award will greatly advance my research programme, integrating theory and ideas from other systems with my PhD work on coral health and disease. Infectious disease is one of the greatest threats to corals and the coral reef ecosystems they build. By testing methods to improve the resilience of coral communities, my work at CCMI will advance our understanding of community ecology, disease, and microbial community composition with implications for coral restoration and the creation of resilient coral reefs.”

The WIOSA internships will also soon be announced, with an equally impressive number of excellent applications currently being assessed by the panel. CCMI would like to thank the Brian Melito and Jessica Colker Trust for supporting this programme.

More information at: https://reefresearch.org/wiosa-scholar/



Beth Chafin

Science Communications & Development Manager

Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI)

Cayman Islands