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!
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
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
Can Seaweed Save the Planet?
Dr. Jennifer Smith was featured in the Wavelengths series’ latest video! A species of seaweed is behind a major movement to curb methane emissions from an unlikely source—cow burps. Marine ecologist Jennifer Smith leads the Smith Lab at Scripps Oceanography where she cultivates Asparagopsis taxiformis, a species of red algae that produces a compound that could greatly reduce the production … Read More
Another year, another Maui trip!
Aloha! Our lab just got back from our annual field work trip to Maui, and we have a lot to report! We’ve been visiting Maui for over a decade to monitor coral reefs along the island’s leeward (sheltered from the wind) coast. We return to the same sites year after year and take thousands of pictures of each reef. When … Read More
Now Published: Decade-Long Study on Palmyra’s Coral Reefs
Although many coral reefs are facing devastating declines due to global climate change, some reefs, such as at the remote Palmyra Atoll, are able to withstand and recover from bleaching. This recently-published paper, led by Ph.D. candidate Adi Khen and co-authored by lab alumni/staff with senior author Dr. Jennifer Smith, demonstrates the remarkable resilience of Palmyra’s reefs over the past … Read More
Smith Lab participates in first-annual (virtual) California Seaweed Festival
Smith Lab will be involved in the first-annual “California Seaweed Festival” taking place virtually from Nov. 16-21, 2020. This is a free event bringing together scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, farmers, and seaweed-enthusiasts alike to celebrate the importance, diversity, and beauty of seaweeds. Professor Jennifer Smith will be a panelist for Seaweed Science; staff member Brant Chlebowski will be presenting on Seaweed as Food, and PhD … Read More