Collin Closek

Collin Closek is a Staff Scientist at the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, focusing on optimizing molecular and computational tools to address ecological and evolutionary questions. His research emphasizes environmental DNA (eDNA), ocean health, biodiversity, disease dynamics, and aquaculture. He holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Georgia (2005), a Ph.D. in Biology from Penn State (2014), and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Washington, University of Maryland, and Stanford University.

Research interests include eDNA applications for biodiversity monitoring, marine ecosystem health, and disease mechanisms in marine organisms. Key projects include the Palau eDNA Project, which develops low-cost biomonitoring tools, and collaborations with NOAA, MBARI, and international institutions. His work has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Packard Foundation, and others.

Collin has mentored 15 students across six institutions and teaches courses on marine science, biodiversity, and ocean policy. He actively engages in professional service roles, including marine policy advisory boards and journal peer review. Field sites span global locations such as Palau, Monterey Bay, and the US Virgin Islands, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to ocean conservation.