environmental epigenetics lab

Featured Publications

Cutting-edge scientific research

Dr. Jose M. Eirin-Lopez

The Eirin-Lopez Environmental Epigenetics Lab (EELab) is part of the Institute of Environment (Coastlines and Ocean Division), a preeminent program at Florida International University, Miami. Our research involves state-of-the-art molecular, ecological, and evolutionary approaches to study how global change affects marine organisms and the mechanisms modulating their responses at different levels. We have developed a highly collaborative and international research program addressing basic and applied questions in the fields of environmental epigenetics, evolutionary developmental biology, and marine sciences.

Scientific prowess transforms the future

Our research cannot be understood without a very strong educational mission. We strive to transform the future through educational, mentorship, and outreach opportunities inspiring the next generation of Marine Biologists. Over the last decade, we have published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers, funded our research through external grants, mentored Ph.D. and M.S. students and taught thousands of undergraduate students.

Research Fields

Climate Change

Coral Biology

Epigenetics

Marine Biology

Omics

Red Tides

Current Research Grants

Ph.D. Candidate

"My Ph.D. research in the EELab focuses on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in coral responses and adaptation to stress, as well as the potential of environmental epigenetics to improve coral restoration and conservation efforts."

Postdoctoral Researcher

"I am interested in mechanisms of plasticity and how they relate to rapid acclimation or adaptation under a climate change context."

Objectives

The central goal of our research program is to study the links between Global Change stressors and the epigenetic mechanisms modulating acclimatory and adaptive physiological responses in organisms across different marine ecosystems.

Research

We use a multidisciplinary and highly collaborative approach to study Environmental Epigenetics, integrating knowledge and discovery across different levels from Molecular Biology to Physiology, from Genetics to Ecology and from Epigenetics to Evolution.

Results

We are pioneering the development of epigenetic toolkits in non model organisms, paving the way for expanding environmental epigenetic analyses and their application to management and conservation of diverse ecologically and commercially relevant species.