I am a PhD student in the Cordes Lab at Temple University, where my research focuses on the ecology and restoration of deep-sea coral communities. My work is driven by a broader interest in understanding the structure, diversity, and connectivity of deep-sea ecosystems.
One major component of my dissertation is the restoration of deep-sea corals in the Gulf of Mexico, conducted in collaboration with the Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) project. This work investigates long-term impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on mesophotic and deep-sea benthic communities and explores innovative restoration strategies to mitigate those impacts.
In parallel, I am characterizing deep-sea communities across Puerto Rico, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mid-Atlantic Ocean. By analyzing patterns of species richness, abundance, and beta diversity, I aim to assess how environmental drivers—such as water masses, ocean currents, and seafloor features—shape community composition and influence faunal connectivity across these regions.
Email: rayanne.silveira@temple.edu