Rita Bento
Research Associate
Affiliation: NYU Abu Dhabi
Education: PhD Porto University
Research Websites: Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences (ACCESS)
Research Areas: Coral reefs; extreme environments; benthic communities
Rita Bento, a marine biologist with a PhD from ICBAS, Porto University, Portugal, focused her doctoral studies on the ecological responses of reef communities to extreme environments under the supervision of John Burt. Her research has centered on recruitment and larval connectivity, settlement patterns of corals and benthic organisms, and the impacts of recurrent disturbances on coral reefs.
With over a decade of experience in reef monitoring in the region, Rita is currently a Research Associate at NYU Abu Dhabi, where she leads the Coral Reef Monitoring Program for the ROPME Sea Area. She is compiling a comprehensive database of regional coral reef monitoring surveys to enhance the understanding of these ecosystems and ensure their sustainable future. She is dedicated to marine conservation and protecting marine ecosystems.
Research Summary
The Coral Reef Monitoring Program, led by John Burt, is dedicated to the scientific study and conservation of coral reefs in the Arabian Gulf. Through comprehensive and methodical monitoring, the program evaluates reef health, biodiversity, and resilience to environmental stressors such as rising sea temperatures and coastal development.