About the lab & meet the team
Aquatics Lab
Our unique facility includes a large aquatics lab, coral testing and imaging room, a dry/fabrication lab, and a chemistry/molecular biology lab, along with offices for staff and students. The main aquatics lab is comprised of three systems encompassing over 3000 gallons in capacity. A large refugia tank for algae culturing helps with water filtration and the production of natural plankton for feeding the corals.
Dr. Michael Gerdes Owner & CEO of CapitalCorals INC
Dr. Gerdes holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX and did his postdoctoral training at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. He has been issued 27 US patents related to diagnostic technologies for pathology, automation, and image analysis, as well as in the area of human forensics. He has been an adjunct professor at SUNY Albany since 2008 in the Department of Biological Sciences where he teaches and mentors student research interns.
Dr. Gerdes has been growing corals for over 25 years and is passionate about aquaculture and reef conservation as a Jamaican born American.
He is currently focusing his efforts on uses of aquacultured corals for developing biomedical applications and chemical fingerprinting studies for coral health and disease. Additional work is directly aimed at improving restoration efforts with improved approaches for biofouling mitigation in nurseries and out-plant sites.
Check out Dr. Gerdes’ references on Google Scholar, or ResearchGate.
Eric Borneman Chief Coral Scientist
Eric is a graduate of Rice University with 45 years and thousands of hours of diving experience. He became world renowned in the husbandry of corals, authoring numerous books, book chapters, and presenting hundreds of articles and presentations worldwide on the subject, and pioneering many aspects of both asexual and sexual propagation of corals.
He was the recipient of a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship where he investigated apoptosis in coral disease at the University of Houston under Gerard Wellington, a pioneer of coral bleaching using coral coring around the world. He was a founding member of SECORE, a multinational group pioneering sexual gamete collection, fertilization and settlement to aid recruitment in wild corals. Eric also helped found a coral reef conservation and education non-profit,
the Reef Stewardship Foundation and initiated the model systems for living corals for the Coral Health and Disease Consortium.
Working with Andrew Bruckner for the non-profit NGO, Coral Reef CPR, they restored unique and critical reef habitat, including building a snorkel trail and an entire reef structure around an underwater restaurant at several location in The Maldives. He has worked throughout the Caribbean and Pacific, leading or a part of joint research projects on coral monitoring, restoration, reproduction, disease, assessment and climate change in Puerto Rico, the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, Dominica, the Florida Keys, Grand Cayman, Easter Island, Fiji, Mustique, Belize, Indonesia, and The Maldives.
He is currently working as our Senior Coral Biologist at CapitalCorals where he continues his work in advancing coral husbandry, utilizing corals in various research and education capacities and is continuing to work with numerous reef restoration efforts.
You can find many of Eric’s publications through Google Scholar.
Meet the Team
Gary Melius Dive Master & Safety Officer
Gary Melius, a seasoned veteran of the deep blue, assumes the pivotal roles of Dive Master and Safety Officer at CapitalCorals R&R. With over 50 years of combined recreational and commercial diving experience, Gary’s passion for the underwater world is matched only by his commitment to safety and excellence.
Professional Journey:
- Doc’s Scuba LLC: As the Owner and Instructor, Gary has nurtured countless divers, imparting wisdom and skills that extend beyond the classroom. His dedication to education and safety has shaped the next generation of underwater enthusiasts.
- United States Navy Veteran: Gary’s service in the Navy solidified his love for diving. His military training honed his discipline, precision, and unwavering commitment to teamwork—a foundation he carries into every dive.
- PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer: Gary’s expertise extends beyond basic certifications. He has mentored aspiring divers, guiding them toward mastery of their craft.
- NAUI & USD: Since 1973, Gary has been an integral part of the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) and the Underwater Society of America (USD). His contributions to these organizations have elevated diving standards worldwide.
- Coeymans Fire Company Dive Rescue Team: As Dive Master, Gary ensures swift and safe underwater operations during emergencies. His leadership is a beacon of reassurance for the team.
- Marine Inspection & Maintenance Salvage Diver (Carver Industries & Honolulu Dive Salvage): Gary’s meticulous eye for detail ensures that vessels remain seaworthy. Salvage missions have taken him to the depths, where he orchestrates intricate recoveries.
- Dive Tender / Support Diver (Hudson River Contracting): Gary’s versatility shines as he supports complex construction projects beneath the waves. His adaptability and resourcefulness are invaluable.
- Sequin Dive Center: As Dive Master, Gary shares his passion with tourists and locals alike. His guided dives reveal the hidden wonders of the ocean.
- ROG Scuba: Gary’s affiliation with ROG Scuba underscores his commitment to exploration and adventure. He encourages divers to push boundaries and embrace the unknown.
Noteworthy Achievements:
- 2800+ Logged Dives: Gary’s logbook reads like a maritime epic—each entry a testament to his dedication and love for the aquatic realm.
- Global Diving: From the Caribbean to the Pacific, the Atlantic to Oceania, and the enchanting waters of Indonesia, Gary has explored diverse ecosystems. His experiences range from leisurely dives to instructing and overseeing safety protocols.
- Environmental Advocate: Gary champions marine conservation. He educates divers on responsible practices, emphasizing the delicate balance of our oceans.
Stephen Sheedy Artificial Habitat Enginee/Lead Technician/Extraxtion Specialist
Stephen Sheedy, serving as the Lead Technician at CapitaCorals since 2022, brings a wealth of expertise to the organization. His journey began at Western Kentucky University, where he explored various engineering departments, fueled by a harmonious blend of passion for technology and reverence for nature.
After many years in the hospitality industry, Stephen’s commitment to conservation led him to CapitalCorals, where he seamlessly integrates his dual passions into tangible solutions. His primary focus lies in safeguarding the remnants of reefs worldwide. When not immersed in designing and constructing innovative systems, Stephen dedicates time to staying abreast of the latest discoveries or indulging in outdoor pursuits like getting lost in the mountains and diving.
Jenna Downey Research Specialist
Jenna is a graduate of SUNY Brockport with a bachelors in Environmental Science with a combined concentration of both aquatic and terrestrial ecology, as well as a minor in Biology. During her time at Brockport, she played for the varsity softball team and was captain from 2021-2023. Jenna has a passion for the planet and nature and her goal is to continue her career working towards conservation and sustainability.
Current Interns
Omar Gulmohamad
Mackenzie Salentre
Mackenzie Salentre
Bio-Chem & Molecular Biology
Mackenzie Salentre
Mackenzie Salentre
Mackenzie Salentre
Biology
Nay Kyaw
Mackenzie Salentre
Ryan Naitbalk
Biology
Ryan Naitbalk
Mackenzie Salentre
Ryan Naitbalk
Pre-Med
Josh Whitehead
Phelisha Napples
Phelisha Napples
Marine Vertebrate Biology
Phelisha Napples
Phelisha Napples
Phelisha Napples
Biology
Noya Khalil
Phelisha Napples
Noya Khalil
Biology