Timothy Rawlings

Timothy Rawlings is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Cape Breton University. He holds a BSc (Honours) and MSc in Zoology from the University of British Columbia and a PhD from the University of Alberta. His research focuses on the evolutionary ecology and molecular ecology of freshwater and marine invertebrates, particularly examining factors influencing their evolution in response to environmental and anthropogenic pressures.

Dr. Rawlings' expertise spans invertebrate zoology, marine ecology, and molecular analysis. His work often integrates morphological and genetic approaches, as seen in studies of vermetid snails, hydroids, and invasive molluscs. He has conducted research at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and contributed to biodiversity assessments in Cape Breton and Pacific coral reefs.

His publications explore topics such as phylogenetic relationships, species delimitation, and ecological adaptations of marine organisms. Recent work includes investigations into novel shell morphologies, invasive species dynamics, and the evolutionary strategies of sessile invertebrates.

Dr. Rawlings emphasizes the importance of understanding human impacts on marine ecosystems, including the introduction of non-native species and climate change effects on coastal communities.