Gary Saunders

Gary Saunders is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of New Brunswick, specializing in algal systematics, phylogenetics, and biogeography. His research examines biodiversity patterns in changing marine environments.

His academic interests include kelp ecology in climate-impacted systems, trans-Arctic species migrations, and molecular phylogenetics of red and brown algae. He teaches courses in marine research methods and marine plant diversity.

Recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate:

• Extensive taxonomic revisions of red algae using type specimens and genomic data
• Discovery of novel species in mesophotic ecosystems
• Biogeographic analyses of postglacial flora origins
• Integration of morphological and molecular approaches

Notable works include resolving trans-Arctic evolutionary histories and documenting climate-driven distribution shifts in kelp forests. Research spans from Bermuda's reefs to Arctic refugia.

No scientific awards or student advisees are mentioned. His work contributes to global initiatives like the Tree of Life RedToL project.