Robin Martin investigates the patterns and processes that determine the variation of roles organisms play in their environment. Her work utilizes satellite imagery to observe the health of forests and reefs. Martin uses an approach she co-authored with Greg Asner called Spectraomics, a method that combines spectral and chemical measurements to generate 3-D maps. They are used to reveal links between biodiversity and how different ecosystems such as forests and coral reefs function to better understand conservation management.

Martin is an associate professor of geography in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning.

Martin’s Coral Spectranomics collaborates with the Global Airbornes Observatory, designed to develop a spectral library of critical habitat-forming hard coral species on our planet.