Advances in Marine Biology

Educational BackgroundPh. D., University of Maine, Zoology, 1989M.S., University of New Hampshire, Microbiology, 1985B.A., University of New Hampshire, Microbiology, Minor: Zoology, 1983A.S. George Washington University, Medical Laboratory Science, 1977Courses TaughtBiological Oceanography, Physiological Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Microbiology, General Microbiology, Immunology, Biology and Ecology of Coral ReefsCurrent Research InterestsMy principal focus involve understanding how taxonomically diverse marine organisms respond physiologically to changes in their environment. In particular I'm interested in how organismal physiology can influence the ecology of marine organisms. As a physiological ecologist my students and I answer these types of questions by utilizing field and laboratory experiments, as well as a wide range of techniques from molecular biology to in situ measurements. Currently my research encompasses four major areas;1) Biochemistry and molecular genetics of oxidative stress in marine organisms associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation, elevated temperatures, or hyperoxic conditions. 2) Physiological ecology of marine invertebrates and phytoplankton, physiological responses to changes in the environment, bacterial- and algal-invertebrate symbioses, and the trophic biology of suspension-feeding invertebrates.3) Ecology and photobiology of mesophotic coral reefs.4) Underwater technology, use of technical diving for scientific research.

• p53 Signaling in Mollusks and Other  Marine Invertebrates: Evidence for Conservation of DNA Editing and Repair, Cellular Senescence and Apoptotic Pathways. Charles WalkerTrophic Level Dysfunction and the Resilience of Coral Reef Ecosystems Robert Steneck Vascular architecture and the limits of morphological plasticity in colonial cnidarians Steven Dudgeon