Elka T. Porter

Elka T. Porter is an Associate Professor of Marine Science and Department Chair at St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM). She holds a Ph.D. in Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park, and degrees from Christian-Albrechts-Universität in Kiel, Germany. Her research focuses on benthic-pelagic coupling processes, particularly the effects of water flow and marine organisms on sediment-water interactions and water quality. She designs and uses specialized mesocosms like STURM (Shear Turbulence Resuspension Mesocosms) to study tidal resuspension and climate change impacts. Porter emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities, mentoring students in fieldwork and publications. She teaches courses including Physical Oceanography and Marine Science fundamentals.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences (MEES), University of Maryland, College Park
• M.S. in Zoology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität (Kiel, Germany)
• B.S. in Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität (Kiel, Germany)

Research Interests: Porter investigates how physical forces (e.g., water flow, turbulence) and biological agents (e.g., oysters, clams) influence nutrient dynamics, sediment stability, and ecosystem health. Her work highlights the role of storms and climate change in altering coastal water quality. Recent studies include tidal resuspension effects on phytoplankton blooms and oxygen dynamics. She collaborates with institutions like the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL).

Awards & Recognition: Porter received the 2019 Distinguished Scholarship Award from the University of Baltimore and a 2014 award for collaboration with undergraduate teaching assistants. Her work bridges experimental design (e.g., STURM tanks) with real-world coastal management challenges.

Advising & Grants: Porter has guided multiple undergraduate researchers, leading to honors theses and co-authored papers. Her grants support summer fieldwork and equipment development for mesocosm experiments. Current projects explore how bivalve populations mitigate eutrophication through biodeposit resuspension mechanisms.

Labs & Affiliations: She leads research at SMCM’s Marine Science Department and collaborates with external groups like the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation. Her lab focuses on innovative mesocosm setups and field-based studies in Chesapeake Bay regions.