Kevin Peters

Dr. Kevin Peters is a Professor of Biology at Richard Bland College, specializing in marine chemical ecology of Antarctic marine invertebrates. He holds degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham: a Bachelor’s (2001), Master’s (2004), and Ph.D. (2009). His research focuses on chemical defenses in Antarctic organisms, including sponges, macroalgae, and invertebrate embryos, with a particular emphasis on benthic community dynamics in the Antarctic Peninsula region.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2001
• Master’s Degree, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2004
• Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2009

Research Interests: Dr. Peters investigates how Antarctic marine organisms use chemical compounds to deter predators and competitors. His work spans macroalgae, sponges, and invertebrates, exploring topics like palatability, antifouling defenses, and nutrient composition. Post-2009, he has expanded to studying local Virginia ecosystems, including terrestrial and aquatic interactions.

Publications: His articles highlight Antarctic species’ chemical defense strategies and ecological roles, with trends emphasizing synergistic compounds in algae, microbial interactions with sponges, and feeding dynamics in polar food webs.

Advising & Grants: Student projects under his mentorship include soil/aquatic bacterial communities, plant dynamics, and invertebrate trophic structures. No grants or awards are explicitly mentioned.