Despite the distance and the challenges that come along with replicating the conditions that coral need to survive, the research team was successful in getting the animals to reproduce inside the tanks. Such a biological achievement has only been reached by a few labs across the globe, and the Gibson Lab is the only one to have done so in the heart of the Midwest.

The Institute’s Communications team, led by Vice President of Communications and Chief Global Communications Officer Jennifer Pawlosky, received the Emmy for Best Environment/Science Content. The winning video, titled The Basement Reef: Coral Research in Kansas City, was shot, produced, edited, and reported by Stowers Visual Storyteller Jill Toyoshiba and Stowers Director of Communications Joe Chiodo. 

“Our goal was to capture the dedication and brilliance of the scientists we have here at Stowers and make sure it’s known that there are teams, right here in Kansas City, who are trying to help solve or improve some of the biggest problems facing humanity today,” Toyoshiba said.

Coral reefs support approximately one-quarter of all marine life, yet they face mounting threats from warming oceans, bleaching events, pollution, and other environmental pressures. Understanding the biology of the animals that build these ecosystems is an important step toward developing new approaches to their conservation.

Unlike scientists studying coral in the ocean, where many species reproduce only once annually, the Gibson Lab can carefully manipulate environmental conditions in its aquariums. This may eventually allow researchers to study coral reproduction at different times of the year, expanding opportunities to investigate questions that are difficult to address in the wild.

“This award tops a 25-year journey of learning the craft of transforming images, sounds and words into a meaningful story that can move people,” Toyoshiba said. “I'm grateful we could help showcase research that is not just important, but timely and often under-reported.”

The award-winning video accompanied the Institute's June 2025 feature, Imperiled Great Barrier Reef corals are healthy and reproducing in a Kansas City lab.

More Coral Coverage

Gibson also brought his coral research to the TEDxKC stage this past July, exploring how fundamental biological research can help shape the future of coral conservation. His talk has now been selected as a TED Editor's Pick, bringing additional attention to the work underway in his Lab at the Stowers Institute. Check back soon for a recording of his talk.

You can also explore Coral Keepers, a feature offering a closer look at the scientists, specialized facilities, and collaborative efforts behind the Institute's coral spawning success. Together, these stories highlight how research taking place far from the ocean may help scientists better understand some of the world's most vulnerable marine ecosystems.