The WHOI Schiller Center for Reef Solutions was established in July 2026 through a transformative $25 million gift from Phil Schiller and Kim Gassett-Schiller to create a lasting platform for coral reef research, innovation, and science-based solutions.
A global challenge
The Center reflects both urgency and hope. Coral reefs are among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth, supporting fisheries, tourism, coastal protection, cultural heritage, and the well-being of communities around the world. But reefs are under growing pressure from ocean warming, acidification, pollution, and other impacts.
A new approach
The Schiller Center for Reef Solutions is focused on developing innovative, scalable solutions to the coral reef crisis by uniting interdisciplinary ocean science, engineering and global partnerships. Through strategic investment in high-risk, high-impact research, the Center will accelerate advances in reef health diagnostics and intervention strategies, foster collaboration, recruit new talent, and translate scientific innovation into real-world action.
Meet the Inaugural Director
Amy Apprill, an Associate Scientist in WHOI’s Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, is the Inaugural Director of the WHOI Schiller Center for Reef Solutions.
Apprill leads the Microbial Ecology for Ocean Conservation Laboratory and helped found and lead WHOI’s Reef Solutions Initiative, an interdisciplinary effort that launched WHOI’s focus on science-based solutions for coral reefs. Her research uses microorganisms as indicators of ocean and reef health and explores how beneficial microbes may help improve coral resilience.
As Inaugural Director, Apprill will guide the Center’s scientific strategy, collaborations, and long-term vision for reef research and solutions.
A shared belief in ocean science
WHOI has a unique culture of bringing together scientists and engineers to build the tools, technologies, and solutions that can make a difference.
— Phil Schiller
Phil Schiller and Kim Gassett-Schiller have long shared a deep connection to the ocean and a belief in the power of science and innovation to improve the world.
Phil's early fascination with ocean exploration was shaped by The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau television series and a formative visit to WHOI as a teenager, where seeing the human-occupied submersible Alvin inspired a lasting appreciation for marine research. Kim grew up summering near Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, and is a dedicated advocate for ocean stewardship through hands-on volunteer work, environmental education, and everyday conservation efforts.
Their gift reflects both urgency and optimism: the need to act quickly as reefs face increasing stress, and the belief that science, engineering, and innovation can help create real-world solution.
Why WHOI
WHOI is uniquely positioned to advance the work of the Schiller Center because of its long history of combining ocean science, engineering, and field operations to address complex ocean challenges.
That approach allows WHOI teams to move from discovery to application: studying reef ecosystems, building tools, testing ideas in the field, and sharing knowledge with communities and decision-makers working to protect vulnerable reefs.
