Michael L Middlebrooks

Michael L Middlebrooks is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at The University of Tampa, within the College of Natural and Health Sciences. His research focuses on marine invertebrates, particularly sea slugs and seagrass ecosystems.

Education:

• 2005: B.S. from Florida State University
• 2012: Ph.D. from University of South Florida

Research Interests:
Dr. Middlebrooks specializes in invertebrate zoology, with a focus on the ecology of sea slugs (especially sacoglossans) that exhibit kleptoplasty - the ability to retain functional chloroplasts from algae. His work also includes seagrass ecology and restoration in Tampa Bay, studying macroinvertebrate communities within seagrass beds. This research contributes to understanding marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Scientific Awards:

• Office of Sponsored Programs, Research Grant Award (2022-2023)
• Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award (2021-2022)
• College of Natural and Health Sciences, Outstanding Student Research Supervision Award (2016-2017)

Advising and Grants:
Dr. Middlebrooks has received recognition for his student mentorship, including the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award and the Outstanding Student Research Supervision Award. He secured a Research Grant Award from the Office of Sponsored Programs for 2022-2023. His advising extends to students in courses such as Invertebrate Zoology, Marine Invertebrate Zoology, and Coral Reefs.

Professional Activities:
He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Malacological Society, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Florida United Malacologists, Florida Association of Aquatic Biologists, and serves on the board for the Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean and the Global Invertebrate Genomic Alliance.