RESEARCH PROGRAMS
HRI's research program is divided among six primary fields, all focused on the Gulf of Mexico:

• Coastal and Marine Policy & Law
  This program studies how marine policies and laws impact humans as well as understanding how human behavior affects coastal and ocean ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on examining the interaction of coastal and marine constituencies and policy makers of the Gulf of Mexico Region to improve the application of science to policy and enhance effective management of resources."
  DR. RICHARD MCLAUGHLIN
• Marine Biodiversity & Conservation Science This program studies the distribution and abundances of marine organisms and their habitats, how they change over time and space, and how they are affected by human activities. "Diversity" includes genetic and habitat diversity, and the ecological interactions and interdependencies of organisms, populations and communities. Quantitative analyses are required to resolve patterns of species distribution and natural assemblages, to examine invasive species, and to recommend changes to policy and management to protect environmental integrity.
  DR. THOMAS SHIRLEY
• Ecosystem Studies & Modeling
  This program studies the marine environment from a systems perspective, integrating biotic and abiotic processes. Studies combine field work with quantitative analyses with particular expertise in ecoinformatics (i.e., large data bases), environmental statistics, and modeling. Most importantly, the group integrates natural science findings with socioeconomic studies to inform decision-makers and guide natural resource mangers.
  DR. PAUL MONTAGNA
• Geographic Information Science
  This program seeks a better understanding of the dynamic links between geomorphology, sediments, hydrology, climate, and biology that create the various environments of coastal zones. Researchers apply remote sensing, ground studies, and geographic information systems to build time series of environmental conditions. These time series, combined with data on processes such as sea-level rise, storms, and human activities, are our chief tools for developing process-response models of geoenvironmental change. Maps and model results are used to help develop and apply environmental policy.
  DR. JAMES GIBEAUT
• Ocean & Human Health
  This program studies the linkages among the marine environment, fisheries, and ocean health. Its goal is to understand human impacts to the marine environment, particularly from activities associated with fishing, and to provide scientific data to managers making decisions concerning ocean health. Specifically, the researchers use field-based research coupled with laboratory and field experiments to further their understanding the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem by assessing the interactions determining the distribution of marine life, value of habitat for marine organisms, and ocean health.
  DR. GREG STUNZ
• Socioeconomics

GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Graduate students play in integral role at HRI and are based through the various colleges, such as the College of Science and Technology, and their various graduate programs. The institute provides graduate funding through fellowships and research grant funding. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Graduate Studies Office for degree programs offered and HRI faculty web pages for specific interests and opportunities at HRI.
  TAMUCC COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
  TAMUCC GRADUATE STUDIES OFFICE
  HRI ENDOWED CHAIRS
  HRI RESEARCH ASSOCIATES