Dr. David Weinstein

PhD Reef Geologist

David Weinstein grew up landlocked near Washington D.C. but has a passion for coral reefs and conservation, as well as Earth and marine science education. He received his Ph.D. in marine geology and geophysics at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School and has over 15 years of marine science and policy experience as a contractor and Federal government employee (NOAA, USACE, U.S. Navy), academic, and with NPOs. David is well regarded by his peers as a highly knowledgeable and skilled marine scientist, program manager, scientific communicator, consultant, educator, scientific diver, and entrepreneur visionary. As an expert on reef structural sustainability, some of David’s research around the world (e.g., the Caribbean, Japan, Israel) focuses on the ecology and geology of mesophotic coral reefs (reefs with light-dependent corals at depths ~30–150 m), reef growth and bioerosion, geomorphology, and reef recovery. He has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and books, edited colleagues' papers, and presented at international conferences, museums, and schools; his mesophotic work is highlighted on his website (http://www.mesophotic-geology.com/). David leverages his experience for marine planning, project management, marketing, and overseeing artificial reef-facilitated improvements for coastal sustainability, coral growth, ecotourism, community building, and education.