It all started when…

I grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. My interest in the natural world began in the mile high but it was my childhood summers spent on the Big Island of Hawaii where I fell in love with marine science. After working as a professional aquarist and graduating from the University of Colorado with a B.A. in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, I worked for a marine imaging technology company. In 2017 I was featured in the Netflix Documentary, Chasing Coral, where I helped film the first ever time-lapse of a coral bleaching event. After the film was released I worked extensively in roles focused on effective science communications and youth outreach programs. During my unique journey, I was craving more involvement with science and research which led to me pursue my doctoral degree at The Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

My research...

I am broadly interested in behavioral ecology with an emphasis on coral reef systems. I leverage my experience with innovative technologies and the aquarium industry to explore the ecological mechanisms that underpin reef halo formation and dynamics. Currently I am applying multiple experimental designs to explore how predator-prey interactions and landscapes of fear can lead to large scale pattern formation. I am also a passionate advocate for increasing the use of effective science communication and outreach strategies and emphasize these throughout my research projects.

What I've written...

Coming soon!

Contact me…

Email:

zrago@hawaii.edu

Address:

Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
University of Hawaii at Manoa
PO Box 1346 (for US Postal Service)
46-007 Lilipuna Road (For all other carriers)
Kaneohe, HI 96744 USA