Dr. Gilliam's research interests focus on coral reef ecology as applied to restoration, assessment, and monitoring. His projects have strong resource management goals through collaboration with local, State, and Federal agencies. Research efforts include: investigating the basic ecology and potential restoration of Acropora cervicornis populations, two long-term SE Florida reef monitoring projects, and assessing the success of several reef restoration projects and investigating methods to improve restoration success. In addition to collaborating with resource managers on research projects, he actively works with and advise managers on marine and coastal issues. Dr. Gilliam works very closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protect (FL DEP) and NOAA sponsored Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative. He is also an advisor for FL DEP and FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on reef damage and restoration issues.