Hi! I’m Jenny Mallon, a Research Scientist and at Nova Southeastern University’s National Coral Reef Institute.
As a 2025- 2027 Smith Conservation Fellow I am working with conservation partner NOAA to support reef restoration in Florida. My research focuses on understanding and mitigating the impacts of changing ocean chemistry on tropical coastal ecosystems, including Caribbean coral reefs and seagrasses.
My research integrates biogeochemical monitoring, coral reef restoration, and climate stressor analysis, with a strong emphasis on technological innovation and community engagement. I use lab-based and in-situ methods to quantify coral calcification, respiration, and photosynthesis, and have developed scalable tools like low-cost benthic chambers for monitoring reef health.
Through my Smith Conservation Fellowship (2025–2027), I am launching a research initiative to explore Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) as a dual-benefit strategy for coral reef restoration and climate mitigation. This project investigates how enhanced carbonate chemistry may support coral and crustose coralline algae (CCA) calcification, improve survivorship of juvenile corals, and inform restoration practices.
I’m passionate about bridging science and conservation, and always open to new collaborations - don't hesitate to get in touch!