Ph.D. Yale University, Geology & Geophysics

M.Phil. Yale University, Geology & Geophysics

B.A. Adelphi University, Biology & Geology

Sedimentary and biological controls on anoxic and hypoxic bottom water conditions The link between hypoxia and lobster die-offs in Western Long Island Sound Sediment oxygen demand as a structuring influence on the development of anoxic “dead” zones Marine policy issues related to emplacement of power lines, natural gas pipelines, & other energy-related structures. Limulus polyphemus aquaculture Geomicrobiological relationships within bacterial mats Biomineralization by microbial mats - ancient and modern Preservation of fecal pellets within microbial mats -- both ancient and modern. Development of remote sensing tools to assess benthic changes in small estuaries and riverine systems The benthic fauna of the Quinnipiac, Branford, and Housatonic Rivers Bioaccumulation by benthic organisms The paleoecological relationships of the earliest metazoans The identification of biogenic pelletal fabrics in the rock record The relationship between pelletal fabrics and hydrocarbon source rock potential. Improving K-12 science education in both public & private schools

Cuomo, C. & R. Valente, (in review). Bottom Water Geochemistry as a Structuring Influence on Marine Benthic Communities: An Analysis Using Sediment Profile Imaging. Estuaries. Valente, R. & C. Cuomo (2005) Did multiple sediment-associated stressors contribute to the 1999 lobster mass mortality event in Western Long Island Sound, USA. Estuaries and Coasts 28:529-540