Dr. Jennifer Smith and postdoctoral scholar Adi Khen were recently interviewed by CBS 8 San Diego on the newly re-established Ellen Browning Scripps Herbarium Collection. Watch the clip here!
Benthic Underwater Microscope imaging-PAM (BUMP)
In collaboration with the Jaffe Lab at Scripps, Smith Lab Postdoctoral Scholar, Or Ben-Zvi, has developed a cutting-edge microscope to study coral photosynthesis and health. The diver-operated microscope — called the Benthic Underwater Microscope imaging PAM, or BUMP — incorporates pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) light techniques to offer an unprecedented look at coral photosynthesis on micro-scales. In a new study, … Read More
NBC 7 Local News Feature: Kelp Crisis
Kelp bed ecosystems have been disappearing off our local coastlines, and scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography are trying to figure out why. NBC 7 San Diego caught up with PhD candidate Mohammad Sedarat to learn more about California’s struggling kelp ecosystems and how the Smith Lab is making a difference. Watch the video on below!
Mission Blue Webinar on Global Kelp Forests
Dr. Smith recently participated in a webinar by Mission Blue on Global Kelp Forests: Biodiversity, Climate, and Community. Kelp forests are among the most vital and fascinating ecosystems on the planet—supporting rich biodiversity and shaping coastal communities worldwide. In August 2025, Mission Blue held a live, discussion-based Zoom webinar featuring expert voices from Argentina, Australia, California, and South Africa as … Read More
Herbarium Collection Launch
The Smith Seaweed Ecology Lab at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography is showcasing the scientific diversity and natural beauty of seaweeds through the new Ellen Browning Scripps Herbarium Collection. This resource — a digitized and physical collection of thousands of dried seaweed specimens — is designed to teach and inspire the next generation of scientists, artists and innovators. … Read More
“Kelp Currency” — Short Film by Seatrees
Kelp forests have the power to protect marine life, absorb carbon, and reverse climate change – so why aren’t they getting the funding they deserve? “Kelp Currency,” a short film ft. Professor Jennifer Smith and Postdoctoral Researcher Laís Lima, explores the Seatrees Kelp Carbon Science Project. This groundbreaking research aims to quantify the carbon benefits of wild kelp forests and … Read More
Waterlust’s Kelp Forest Collection
Waterlust, an eco-friendly ocean apparel brand, has partnered with the Smith Seaweed Ecology Lab to launch a “Kelp Forest Collection” of swim and activewear. Every purchase from this collection donates 5% of sales to our lab and advocates for kelp forest conservation and restoration!
Ever wondered how feeding seaweed to cows can help fight climate change?
Ever wondered how feeding seaweed to cows can help fight climate change? Check out this news story from NBC for more information and details about the Smith Lab’s latest collaboration. Click here for the full story! If you want to learn more about the Smith Lab’s research on Asparagopsis taxiformis, you can find more info on our Research Page. … Read More
“Underwater Gardens” — Short Film by Smith Lab Volunteer
One of our talented volunteers, Nicole Lopez (mentored by Dr. Adi Khen), put together this film about the Smith Lab’s efforts to re-establish an herbarium collection at Scripps Oceanography. “Underwater Gardens” is a short exploration of the often overlooked but beautiful world of seaweeds, and the unexpected ways they intersect with art, science, and climate solutions: Stay tuned for future … Read More
Smith Lab revisits Maui’s coral reefs to find many layers of resilience
Since 2014, the Smith Lab has been collecting large area imagery to monitor the coral reefs of Maui’s leeward (protected) coast using structure from motion (SfM) technology. Through this work, researchers have captured how the reefs grow and change through time in the midst of a variety of global and local disturbances and stressors. Most notably, this time-series is the … Read More