Eleftherios "Ted" Karabelas

Ted, originally from New England, earned his BS at Harvard University while delving into the world of coral biology. Fascinated by the variable bleaching responses of corals across species and life-history strategies, his research explores how thermal adaptation manifests at the molecular and cellular levels. Ted joined the Palumbi lab in 2023, bringing experience from Mote Marine Laboratory in Summerland Key, FL, where he investigated the physiological responses of native coral species to thermal stress. He is working on the collaborative Super Reefs project to identify thermally tolerant corals for conservation. As a part of this project, he will train local communities on carrying out thermal stress tests. A recipient of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, he is excited to transition from his lifelong East Coast roots to California. Outside the lab, Ted is an avid kayaker, hiker, and SCUBA diver, and he enjoys unwinding at local breweries. He also has an adorable cat named Mick who moved across the country with him.