Welcome

While ocean temperatures rise and coral bleaching events become more prevalent, reefs that took centuries to grow can collapse in a single heat wave.

The surviving species may carry genetic traits that could be important for conservation.

That is the focus of the Buerger Lab in Genomics and Biotechnology.

We use biotechnology, such as experimental evolution, synthetic biology and comparative genomics, to understand how aquatic organisms adapt to new environments. Our research focuses on species that support tropical coastlines: corals, their symbiotic microalgae (Symbiodiniaceae), and mangroves. Our goal is to turn genetic insights into practical tools for restoration and climate resilience.