Yohan Louis
Research Associate
Affiliation: NYU Abu Dhabi
Education: BSc University of Mauritius; PhD University of Mauritius
Research Websites: Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental ScienceS (ACCESS) Burt Marine Biology Lab
Research Areas: Coral reef, thermal tolerance, coral restoration
Yohan D. Louis earned his PhD in Marine Biology and Ecology from the University of Mauritius, where he investigated thermal tolerance in corals, focusing on biomarkers of thermal stress and differential bleaching response. After completing his doctorate, he worked as a researcher on coral restoration initiatives in Mauritius and as a consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), contributing to projects aimed at enhancing coral reef resilience and ecosystem recovery.
Louis later joined the University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy), where his research focused on improving coral thermal tolerance and uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying stress resilience. During his time there, he served as a Postdoctoral Researcher and subsequently as a Researcher/Assistant Professor, leading projects that integrated molecular biology, ecology, and coral conservation.
Louis’s current research interests lie in coral stress biology, climate resilience, and restoration techniques, with a focus on improving coral conservation and management in a changing ocean.
Summary of Research
At NYU Abu Dhabi, Louis’s research focuses on the farming of heat-tolerant corals using both ocean-based and land-based nurseries, providing scientific metrics to evaluate the use of thermally resilient corals and the success of restoration initiatives. His work aims to optimize coral propagation techniques and adapt existing coral farming and nursery practices to the unique environmental conditions of the United Arab Emirates’ coastal waters.