About
I am a PhD candidate in the Coral Biomineralization and Physiology Lab of Prof. Tali Mass at the University of Haifa, Israel, where my work bridges the gap between molecular biology and marine ecology to investigate the survival strategies of corals in a changing climate. My research specifically examines how the reef-building coral Stylophora pistillata utilizes parental bet-hedging to navigate an increasingly unpredictable ocean, producing offspring with diverse “molecular survival kits” visible through distinct fluorescent protein morphs. By tracking these cohorts from their lunar-synchronized release to their final settlement as spats, I aim to decode the genetic and physiological architecture that enables coral populations to hedge their bets against varied environmental stressors. Complementing my doctoral studies, I serve as the Lab Manager and Head of Mariculture Systems at the Center of Marine Education, Research, and Mariculture (C.M.E.R.M) located in the Mevo’ot-Yam Youth Village in Michmoret, Israel; in this capacity, I oversee the design and management of complex Life Support Systems (LSS) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), the production of live feed and algal cultures, and the integration of technical expertise into educational outreach to advance sustainable methods for coral farming and restoration. As part of the activity in the Youth Village, I introduce high school students to marine life sciences and facilitate their integration into academic research projects from across the country.
Other platforms you can find me on
- Publications: ORCID, Google Scholar
Contact me
Education
| Date | Degree | School |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-present | PhD Candidate | Marine Biology Department, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, Haifa University, Haifa, Israel |
| 2024 | Thesis | The Role of Fluorescent Protein in Coral Larvae Settlement of Reef-Building Coral Stylophora pistillata |
| 2022 | M.A | Marine Resources Management, Ruppin Academic Center, Michmoret, Israel |
| 2018 | B.Sc | Marine & Enviromental Science , Ruppin Academic Center, Michmoret, Israel |
| 2011-2014 | IDF | Operational & Rescue Driver |
| 2010 | High School, Biology | Zalman Shazar High School, Bat-Yam, Israel |
Publications
- Platin, R., Uziahu, L., & Shenkar, N. (2026). Toward the scalable cultivation of edible tunicates: Optimized protocol for Styela plicata. Aquaculture, 743908
Research Skills & Technical Expertise
Aquaculture & Marine System Engineering
- System Design & Construction: Expertise in designing and building custom aquarium grow systems, experimental racks, and larval incubation setups; proficient in PVC plumbing and aquatic engineering.
- Life Support Systems (LSS): Operation and maintenance of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), including Mangine systems, and flow-through setups tailored for sensitive marine invertebrates.
- Larval Rearing: Specialized protocols for the early life-history stages of Sea Urchins and Scleractinian corals; managing metamorphosis and post-settlement survival.
- Coral Farming: Expertise in asexual propagation (fragmentation) and sexual recruitment techniques for both commercial and laboratory-scale research.
- Water Quality Management: Precise monitoring and adjustment of critical chemical parameters (Salinity, Alkalinity, Nutrients) to maintain optimal culture health.
Phycology & Live Feed Production
- Microalgae Isolation: Expertise in isolating wild microalgae strains via micromanipulation, serial dilution, and agar streak plating to establish axenic (pure) cultures.
- Culture Scaling: Maintaining stock cultures and scaling up to high-density carboy and photobioreactor systems using specialized media (f/2, Conway).
- Live Feed Production: Mass cultivation of planktonic organisms including Rotifers (Brachionus spp.), Copepods, and Artemia (hatching and nutritional enrichment).
- Macroalgae Cultivation: Management of small-scale laboratory and semi-commercial systems for biomass production and nutrient bioremediation.
Physiology & Microscopy
- Metabolic Profiling: Assessment of respiration rates in coral planulae and primary polyps using high-precision oxygen respirometry.
- Photophysiology: Utilizing Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) fluorometry to assess the health and photosynthetic efficiency of symbiotic algae.
- Biochemical Assays: Proficiency in coral protein concentration assays, symbiotic algae quantification, and chlorophyll-a concentration assays.
- Advanced Microscopy: Imaging and quantification of chlorophyll-a and Green Fluorescent Proteins (GFPs) using inverted fluorescence microscopy.
Computational Biology & Data Analysis
- Data Science: Statistical analysis of biological datasets using Python (Google Colab) and JMP.
- Bio-Automation: Custom ImageJ (Fiji) Macro development for automated algae cell counting and planulae volume calculation.
- Biomass Estimation: Proficiency in cell counting using hemocytometers and automated image analysis.
Field Work & Husbandry
- Scientific Diving: Collection of larval and adult coral samples from the field via SCUBA.
- Coral Husbandry: Long-term maintenance and care of coral fragments in outdoor water table systems and complex marine environments.
- ROV: Operating small ROV for imaging and sample collection
Certifications
- Dive Master
- Scientific Diver, AAUS
- International Shipping Licence