Hurricane Irma: Clemson research team leading relief effort >>

A team of Clemson researchers are soliciting help for the hurricane-ravaged Florida Keys and Caribbean.

The group has been conducting research with The Childress Lab in the Keys for the past 25 years and most recently focused on transplanting coral fragments in the area.

In September, Hurricane Irma swept through the area leaving devastation in its wake and putting some of the research projects in danger.

Associate professor Michael Childress and Ph.D. Candidate Kylie Smith lead the research team. Smith is soliciting donations to help Florida Keys residents clean and rebuild their homes and businesses.

Items such as cleaning supplies, peroxide, cleaning gloves and protective eyewear are needed, as well as rags, pet food, nonperishable food and snacks, diapers, pillows, blankets, mattresses and more.

Donations can be delivered to Room 132 in Long Hall on the Clemson University campus between now and Oct. 10. 

Supplies will be delivered to the Florida Keys when Childress, Smith and their team return to their work with The Childress Lab in the Keys. 

“Our upcoming trip to the Keys in October will have a two-fold purpose," Childress said. "Kylie will lead a team of four divers that will re-census our reef sites and bring back the pictures and videos for future analysis in the lab. Meanwhile, I will lead a team of student volunteers to stay on land and help with restoration efforts at the Keys Marine Lab.