“I am Severin, a PhD candidate at the University of Oldenburg and the HIFMB, in cooperation with Senckenberg am Meer in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. My scientific work focuses on the integrative systematics and taxonomy of deep sea and cold water octocorals, particularly the North Atlantic and Pacific genera Duva, Drifa, Pseudodrifa, and Gersemia." Photo1: Photo of Severin during the CoralNewZ expedition in NZ waters.
"I combine classical morphology with modern sequencing approaches to reassess the diversity, evolutionary history, and species boundaries of these groups. A central focus of my research lies in the analysis of historical type material from international museums, the redescription of old types, and the resolution of long-standing taxonomic uncertainties. Many of these historical specimens are remarkably old (some exceeding 200 years in age)." Photo2: Type material of Duva florida (Rathke, 1806).
"Methodologically, I work extensively with SEM-based sclerite documentation and detangling morphological characters for phylogenetic analyses. In parallel, I apply protocols for recovering molecular data from highly degraded specimens and employ shallow genome sequencing. This approach becomes particularly challenging when working with centuries-old material." Photo3: Type material of Drifa islandica Danielssen, 1887, labeled by Wilhelm Georg Kükenthal (1861–1922).
"My work also includes participation in research expeditions such as the CoralNewZ expedition in the Southwest Pacific, as well as projects in the North Atlantic and the Western Indian Ocean. The overarching goal of my research is to develop a modern, robust integrative system for cold-water octocorals, uncover new species, and establish a taxonomic and phylogenetic framework that supports future biodiversity and conservation research.” Photo4: Selection of corals collected during the CoralNewZ and the CoWIO expedition.
Happy new week, members!
Meet another 2025 conference awardee: Severin Korfhage (@severinkorfhage.bsky.social), PhD candidate @ U. of Oldenburg & #HIFMB working on the systematics & taxonomy of #DeepSea & cold-water #octocorals spanning from the #NorthAtlantic to the #Pacific.
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