Dr. David Weinstein
- Torfstein Lab
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Adi Torfstein Lab website
Dr. Weinstein aspires to improve our understanding of coral reef sedimentology and to educate the public and new scientists about this important topic in marine science. He is also interested in studying coastal erosion and sea-level fluctuations. His PhD, from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, was entitled Deep reef bioerosion and deposition: Sedimentology of mesophotic coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands. His research provided one of the first in-depth analyses of the structural foundation of deeper coral reefs (called mesophotic reefs), allowing for estimates of their sustained health and past and future growth potential. This is especially important as these reefs are considered potential refugia for species from their endangered shallow-water counterparts.
After his doctoral studies, David did postdoctoral work at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan, where he analyzed mesophotic coral reef recovery after major typhoon damage, as well as sedimentary characteristics of these deep systems.
In Israel, David will be researching the evolution, age, and past sea level history of submerged fossil terraces in the Gulf of Aqaba, which form the basis for the Israel’s critical modern mesophotic coral reef ecosystems.
Colleagues comment on David’s ability to clearly communicate to both scientific and general audiences. In fact, he managed the data collection for his dissertation research by including high school and undergraduate students in his research. These students loved working with Dr. Weinstein, and have presented their work in academic settings. Dr. Weinstein is a scuba diver himself, who has joined other recreational divers on weekends, and given outreach talks to them.