Curing Coral

Summer Collins is a coral biologist working and living in the Florida Keys. She began working and studying coral after research analyzing percent bleaching rates of reefs in Belize during a study abroad in college. Since then, she has published a paper in Frontiers regarding antiseptic treatments on corals in a restoration setting, worked in a scientific nonprofit laboratory focused on coral reef restoration in the Florida Keys, and participated in the summer 2023 coral bleaching rescue efforts. She has mentored over forty-five students in pursuit of their marine science careers. She now runs a science communications Instagram page to continue to inspire, assist, and educate on a variety of marine science topics. She resides in Big Pine Key, Florida.

“This is an exceptional read for all audiences, filled with relatability, valuable insights, and captivating storytelling into the impacts climate change is having on our coral reefs and planet.”—Veronica Williamson, marine biologist"A must-read! I couldn't be prouder of the awareness that Summer is bringing to coral reef conservation."—Zachary Craig, Hawai'i coral restoration coordinator"An important look into the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a marine biologist fighting our climate crisis. Summer exemplifies the resilience and perseverance necessary to make it in an ocean world full of joy and devastation. An essential read for any aspiring marine scientist." —Megan Kennedy, senior research associate in the Coral Reef Restoration Lab at the University of Miami and program manager at Rescue a Reef“Both educational and entertaining, Curing Coral is an excellent read for anyone interested in ways to save our oceans.”—Bonnie Monteleone, co-founder of Plastic Ocean Project Inc."There is so much knowledge and passion for the ocean within these pages and you can hear it through the writing. I felt like I was right alongside Summer on all her adventures, laughing and aweing with every other sentence I read. This book made me have so much more love and admiration for the coral reefs!" —Chloe Spring, marine biologist

• Introduction: What is it like being a marine biologist?Chapter 1: Coral Reefs: The BreakdownChapter 2: BelizeChapter 3: GuidanceChapter 4: Turtle TalkChapter 5: Just Say YesChapter 6: Attack on All SidesChapter 7: Multifaceted Problems Equals Technically Advanced AnswersChapter 8: The Coral Restoration ProgramChapter 9: Intern Turned MentorChapter 10: Living Rocks and Their Population ProblemChapter 11: Baptism by FireChapter 12: Coral WorldChapter 13: Hell WeekChapter 14: Here's to HopeChapter 15: Caring About Coral