An important goal of the Pacific Coast Science Institute is to conduct original scientific research. Science is an active process of discovery, thus we believe that hands-on participation is important to gain a complete appreciation of the field. Both members and volunteers participate in the collection, analysis and reporting of these projects. By conducting such research it is our desire to contribute to the overall body of scientific knowledge.

Members are currently involved with various scientific research activities including:

• The development of mathematical models to predict the interaction strengths between organisms in various habitats, including the desert, chaparral, temperate forests, tropical rain forests, rocky intertidal habitat, and coral reef biomes.
• Rapid assessment of biodiversities and abundances of organisms in various habitats.
• Investigation of small-scale/large-scale movements of rocky intertidal invertebrates in southern California.
• Investigation of niche partitioning of rocky intertidal invertebrates.
• Distribution of toxins in tropical coral reefs.
• Behavioral responses of rocky intertidal invertebrates to various physical and biological stimuli.
• Nervous system function of model organisms in response to specific stimuli.

Volunteers are invited to participate in our various research projects as described above as well as our educational program.