Corals and their environment
Vaughan worked at the US Geological Survey and other institutions, receiving a Harvard doctorate in 1903 for research on American Cenozoic corals. He investigated living and fossil reefs and later specialised in larger foraminifera, relating organisms and sediments to marine geological history.
References: [1]
Broadening ocean research
He accepted the Scripps directorship in 1923, formally taking office in February 1924, and retired in 1936. During his tenure, its marine biological work expanded into physical and chemical oceanography, sediments and related fields.
References: [1]
Cooperation among institutions
Through the National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences and Pacific scientific organisations, he promoted oceanographic cooperation. After surveying institutions internationally, he published a 1937 report emphasising collaboration and the organisation of ocean research.
References: [1]