Field Inclusive, Inc.

Experience Reflection: Ponchanok Weeriyanun

“The fieldwork in American Samoa also presents its own challenges, since it requires physical and mental preparedness to manage the workload with limited resources. In return, I have the opportunity to pursue my passion for coral reef conservation. I find a sense of belonging while conducting research on a tropical island and engaging with local communities and organizations, as the experience reminds me of home.”

BY PONCHANOK WEERIYANUN

I believe my academic background aligns closely with my chosen field of interest: coral reef research. Coral reef ecosystems exist across the world’s interconnected oceans, and their study reflects that same global reach. In the face of climate change, reefs worldwide are experiencing mass bleaching and mortality. Bleaching occurs when corals, stressed by elevated ocean temperatures, expel their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). Corals lose both their color and their primary source of energy, which often leads to starvation and death if stressful conditions persist. The same disturbances to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world, also affect reefs in Phuket, Thailand, my hometown. Whenever I read research articles from well-established institutions, they spark questions for me: What new insights are
being uncovered about this ecologically important yet fragile ecosystem? More importantly, will I have the same opportunity to learn about these ecosystems and conduct research? From these questions, my desire to study abroad grew.

I am the first generation in my family to go abroad to study. Coming from a middle-class family in a developing country, the idea of studying abroad, even though achievable for some, was quite challenging. My family did not have the financial means to fully support my dreams. Since my undergraduate years, I have sought opportunities that would take me overseas, including fieldwork, internships, and research opportunities. I chose my undergraduate thesis advisor to be a farang (Thai word for “Westerner”) to help strengthen my English and broaden my academic perspective. Later, I was awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Europe. Brick by brick, I have used my passion for corals to expand my opportunities, a journey that has ultimately led me to where I am today: a PhD student in the Barshis Lab at Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA.

In the Barshis Lab, we study the ecophysiology and evolution of corals under the impacts of climate change. We are focusing particularly on corals that appear tolerant of thermal and other environmental stressors to find an answer to the fundamental question: What makes these corals stronger than others?

My research in American Samoa addresses this question by examining the variation in thermal tolerance of shallow-reef coral species. Using a standardized acute heat stress technique, I examine the thermal threshold of the tabletop coral Acropora hyacinthus around Tutuila Island, the main island of American Samoa. I am particularly interested in identifying whether certain populations or individuals are the “winners” that can tolerate heat stress better than others. I also collect environmental data at the reef sites
and analyze gene expression patterns in multiple species to determine whether thermal tolerance is related to environmental buffering, molecular mechanisms, or both. Corals are sessile and cannot move away from marine heatwaves; therefore, they must rely on their natural resilience capacity to survive. Understanding what enables certain corals to persist under elevated seawater temperatures will be key to advancing restoration and conservation strategies.

For me, coming to the mainland United States required a significant adjustment. I had to adapt my ways of speaking, living, eating, and working. Some norms and common sense from my home country simply do not apply here. The fieldwork in American Samoa also presents its own challenges, since it requires physical and mental preparedness to manage the workload with limited resources. In return, I have the opportunity to pursue my passion for coral reef conservation. I find a sense of belonging while conducting research on a tropical island and engaging with local communities and organizations, as the experience reminds me of home. My hope is that what I learn during my PhD research in American Samoa will contribute meaningfully to future reef management and conservation efforts when I return to my country. I am deeply grateful to the Field Inclusive Research Grant for supporting my travel to American Samoa. Field Inclusive fosters a safe space for marginalized and underrepresented people in the field of ecology, and I am proud to represent this vision in myself and my work. I firmly believe that decentralization, local community engagement, and network expansion in academia are essential for building a healthy, sustainable scientific community. I am committed to promoting an inclusive workspace where all people can contribute to, and benefit from, science and nature.