Find Academic Supervisors

Sean PowersView profile

Professor

• Fisheries Ecology
• Marine Conservation
• Restoration Ecology
• +3 more

Sean Powers serves as the Angelia and Steven Stokes Endowed Professor in Environmental Resiliency and Director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama, while also holding the position of Senior Marine Scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. His dual roles bridge academic leadership and frontline marine research in the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Dr. Powers completed his Ph.D. at Texas A&M University in 1997, establishing the foundation for his expertise in marine fisheries and ecosystem dynamics. This advanced training equipped him for his current focus on conservation science and resource management. His research program centers on fisheries ecology with emphases on conservation and restoration of coastal shellfish and finfish populations. Powers investigates ecological relationships of estuarine fishes and benthic invertebrates supporting commercial and recreational fisheries, aiming to generate actionable science for habitat restoration and sustainable management. His work frequently addresses human impacts on marine ecosystems and climate change adaptation strategies, with particular attention to Gulf of Mexico fisheries. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on red snapper, red drum, and oyster reef systems through integrated approaches combining field surveys, biophysical modeling, and long-term monitoring. Key themes include artificial reef efficacy, oil spill impacts on marine communities, and fisheries management responses to regulatory changes, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary collaboration across ecology, conservation, and policy domains. Dr. Powers currently mentors eight graduate students across Ph.D. and master's programs while securing major research funding from Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NOAA RESTORE Science Program. His active grants address ecosystem-based fisheries management, artificial reef monitoring, oyster restoration, and estuarine fish dynamics. Embedded within the Dauphin Island Sea Lab research infrastructure, Powers leverages extensive field access to Gulf of Mexico ecosystems while maintaining strong partnerships with state and federal management agencies to ensure his science directly informs conservation decisions.

Arnold Van RooijenView profile

Lecturer

• Coastal Engineering
• Coastal hydro-morphodynamic processes
• Beach and dune erosion
• +11 more

Arnold Van Rooijen is a Lecturer in Coastal Engineering and ARC Early Career Industry Fellow at The University of Western Australia's School of Earth and Oceans and UWA Oceans Institute. With 15 years of experience in coastal engineering research, education, and consultancy, he employs laboratory, numerical modeling, and field techniques to advance understanding of coastal physical processes including ocean waves, currents, and sediment transport. Education: PhD in Coastal Engineering, "Wave and current induced flows in aquatic vegetation canopies," The University of Western Australia (2015-2019) MSc in Coastal Engineering, "Modeling sediment transport in the swash zone," Delft University of Technology (2008-2011) BSc in Civil Engineering, Delft University of Technology (2005-2008) Dr. Van Rooijen's research focuses on quantifying how marine habitats and bio-engineered structures protect against coastal flooding and erosion. His work spans coastal hydro-morphodynamic processes, beach and dune erosion, long-term coastal evolution, and nature-based coastal protection systems, with specific expertise in processes around mangroves, seagrass, shellfish reefs, and salt marshes. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and life below water. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on wave attenuation mechanisms, sediment transport dynamics, and the effectiveness of nature-based solutions for coastal protection. The research shows increasing integration of field observations with advanced numerical models to predict coastal responses to environmental changes, with particular attention to Australian coastal environments and marine habitats. Scientific Recognition: Oceans Graduate School Early-Career Research Award (2022) ARC Early Career Industry Fellowship (2023) Dr. Van Rooijen leads multiple research initiatives including his ARC Early Career Industry Fellowship project (2024-2030), hydrodynamic energy attenuation research with seaweed aquaculture (2024-2027), and projects on coastal resilience through community engagement (2024-2025) and climate change impacts on Western Australia's intertidal habitats (2023-2024). He maintains active collaborations across Australian research institutions and government agencies. His research methodology combines physical experiments in wave tanks, field measurements, and sophisticated numerical modeling approaches, building on his prior industry experience at Deltares (2011-2020) where he worked as a Coastal Engineer before joining UWA.

Rochelle D. SeitzView profile

Research Professor

• Marine Benthic Ecology
• Predator-Prey Dynamics
• Restoration Ecology
• +5 more

Dr. Rochelle D. Seitz is a Research Professor at the School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary , affiliated with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). With a PhD from William & Mary, she specializes in marine benthic ecology, predator-prey dynamics, and coastal restoration. Her work bridges experimental ecology with large-scale ecosystem management. Research Interests: Her expertise focuses on (1) environmental stressor impacts on benthic biodiversity, (2) top-down/bottom-up control in marine systems, and (3) bivalve restoration ecology. Current projects examine shoreline resilience, soft-shell clam aquaculture viability, and living shoreline effectiveness in Chesapeake Bay. Education B.A. - Colgate University M.A., Ph.D. - The College of William & Mary Publication Trends: Recent work addresses habitat degradation effects on benthic communities, climate change impacts on predator-prey systems, and global risk assessments for marine artificial structures. Key subfields include oyster reef restoration, ocean acidification responses, and complexity-biodiversity relationships. Scientific Honors: Recipient of W&M’s Diversity Recognition Award (2021) and VIMS Diversity & Inclusion Award (2018). Maintains active editorial roles in Marine Ecology Progress Series and Frontiers in Marine Science . Advising & Grants: Advises graduate students in marine ecology and fisheries science. Leads multi-million-dollar projects funded by DoD, NSF, NOAA, and Virginia Department of Education, focusing on coastal resilience and ecosystem services.

• Coastal Marine Ecosystem Restoration
• Socio-Ecological Systems
• Oyster Reef Ecology
• +4 more

Dr Dominic McAfee is an ARC Grant-Funded Researcher B at the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute, within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. His work focuses on coastal marine ecosystem restoration, emphasizing both ecological and socio-ecological interactions to enhance human well-being and environmental sustainability. He collaborates with governments, NGOs, industries, and communities on projects ranging from large-scale reef constructions to community-led restorations, particularly in oyster reefs, seagrass, kelp, and mangrove ecosystems. Key research interests include multi-species restoration strategies, the use of marine sound to accelerate recovery, and effective conservation messaging rooted in optimism. His projects address climate adaptation, ecosystem engineering, and the psychological dimensions of environmental engagement. Dr McAfee has received prestigious awards, including the 2023 South Australian Science and Innovation Excellence Award for Science-Industry Collaboration and the 2020 Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research. He actively supervises postgraduate and Honours students in areas like community-based restoration and socio-ecological dynamics. His research bridges ecological science with communication strategies, leveraging cognitive biases to foster public engagement. Ongoing collaborations include projects with the Department for Environment and Water, The Nature Conservancy, and local communities to restore Australia's lost shellfish reefs and communicate their value.

George WaldbusserView profile

Professor

• Ocean Acidification
• Benthic Ecology
• Sediment Biogeochemistry
• +5 more

George Waldbusser is a Professor in the Department of Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU), affiliated with the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS). His research focuses on ocean acidification effects on marine bivalves, benthic ecology, and sediment biogeochemistry. He holds leadership roles, including former Graduate Program Director (2019–2023), and has received awards such as the OSU Strategic Impact Award (2016) and Pattullo Graduate Education Award (2014). Education: Ph.D. (2008) in Biological Oceanography from the University of Maryland; M.Sc. (2002) in Biological Oceanography from the University of Connecticut; B.Sc. (1999) in Environmental Science from St. John’s University, NY. Research Interests : Waldbusser’s work spans coastal acidification, bivalve calcification physiology, and ecosystem resilience. Key themes include larval development under OA stress, seagrass refugia potential, and mitigation strategies for aquaculture. His research integrates field experiments, lab manipulations, and modeling to address climate change impacts. Grants & Projects : Lead or co-PI on projects such as NOAA-funded studies on OA mitigation (2023–2026), estuarine sediment alkalization (ClimateWorks, 2020–2022), and climate adaptation for shellfisheries. Projects often involve interdisciplinary teams addressing biological, chemical, and socio-economic dimensions. Teaching : Teaches courses like OEAS 540 (Biogeochemical Earth) and contributes to programs like OEAS 500 (Cascadia). His teaching emphasizes Wikipedia-based student projects to enhance open science communication. Labs & Teams : Active in OSU’s Analytical Facilities and ships like R/V Elakha. Collaborates with institutions globally, including the Hakai Institute and NOAA, to advance OA research and policy applications.

• Marine Biology
• Ecology
• Environmental Sciences
• +7 more

Dr. Daniel Franklin is an Associate Professor in Environmental Sciences at Bournemouth University, specializing in marine and freshwater microbial ecology. His research bridges fundamental biological processes with applied environmental management in temperate and tropical aquatic systems. Current research focuses on: Freshwater cyanobacteria (toxicity, ecology, risk management) Seaweed/shellfish aquaculture and marine resource sustainability Harmful algal blooms in diverse aquatic environments Environmental monitoring through citizen science approaches His work spans laboratory studies (flow cytometry, toxicology) to field research in Poole Harbour (UK) and Bali (Indonesia). Recent projects include RANTRANS (2020-2023) assessing seaweed-based nutrient remediation strategies and HEIF-funded initiatives on harmful algal bloom detection. Key publication trends show consistent contributions to: Algal physiology and bloom dynamics Marine ecosystem carbon cycling Environmental monitoring methodologies Marine resource management applications He supervises PhD students in microbial ecology and environmental monitoring while maintaining active roles in professional societies like the British Phycological Society and Challenger Society for Marine Science .

Jens Kjerulf PetersenView profile

Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Aquaculture
• Coastal Ecosystems
• +3 more

Jens Kjerulf Petersen is a Professor and Head of the Section for Coastal Ecology at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), Technical University of Denmark. His work focuses on marine ecology, aquaculture, and coastal ecosystem management. Research Interests: Petersen specializes in bivalve habitat restoration, mussel fisheries, and cumulative effects of aquaculture on coastal environments. He actively contributes to sustainable development goals, particularly marine conservation and fisheries management. Projects: He leads initiatives such as KUMO (cumulative effects of blue mussel farming) and FØGU (flat oyster aquaculture), while supervising PhD projects on bivalve habitat stability and climate-adaptive shellfish aquaculture. Collaborations: Petersen collaborates with researchers across Denmark and internationally, focusing on marine biodiversity, biogenic reefs, and fishery-independent data analysis. Advising: He supervises PhD student Steinmann, A., guiding research on marine bivalve habitats.

Michael SieversView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Marine Ecology
• Coastal Wetland Restoration
• Aquaculture
• +4 more

Dr. Michael Sievers is a Senior Lecturer at Griffith University's School of Environment and Science (Department of Environment and Marine), affiliated with the Australian Rivers Institute and Coastal and Marine Research Centre. His research focuses on coastal wetland ecology (seagrasses, mangroves, salt marshes), restoration ecology, aquaculture, and ecological trap theory. He leads projects funded by ARC DECRA and other grants, emphasizing animal-centric restoration strategies and global wetland conservation. Education: PhD/MSc/BSc in Marine Biology (University of Melbourne) Research interests include marine biodiversity, ecosystem restoration success metrics, and the impacts of multiple stressors on coastal environments. Awards include the Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Award and ARC DECRA. He supervises doctoral students on topics like mangrove restoration and ecosystem stressor interactions. Key grants: ‘Redefining success in marine ecosystem restoration’ (ARC, $456k), ‘Mapping Queensland's subtropical shellfish reefs’ (DoETSI, 2024-2025) Labs/groups: Australian Rivers Institute, Global Wetlands Project. His work bridges ecology, conservation, and applied solutions for coastal ecosystems.

L. Jen ShafferView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Ethnoecology
• Local Environmental Knowledge (LEK)
• Social-Ecological Systems
• +6 more

L. Jen Shaffer is an Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Maryland's Department of Environmental Science and Technology. She specializes in ecological anthropology, focusing on local environmental knowledge (LEK), human contributions to biodiversity conservation, and social-ecological systems. Her work bridges community collaboration with scientific research to address climate change adaptation, resource governance, and human-wildlife coexistence. Shaffer holds a PhD in Anthropology (2009) from the University of Georgia, along with prior degrees in Environmental Studies and Biology. Her research spans African savannas, Pacific Islands, and U.S. regions like Maryland and Oregon. Notable projects include vulture conservation strategies, human-elephant conflict mitigation, and the role of cultural practices in environmental decision-making. Shaffer advises the ENSP Culture and Environment concentration and has supervised multiple graduate students in interdisciplinary environmental studies. Recent publications emphasize transdisciplinary approaches to conservation (e.g., vulture poisoning assessments, wind energy labor studies) and equity-focused initiatives like supporting women in Indonesian conservation. Her work often integrates social network analysis and participatory methods to foster resilient solutions.

Emma SheehanView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Marine Conservation
• Biodiversity Restoration
• +4 more

Dr. Emma Sheehan is an Associate Professor of Marine Ecology (Research) at the University of Plymouth's School of Biological and Marine Sciences. Her research focuses on marine conservation, ecosystem restoration, and the impacts of human activities on marine habitats. She leads the Applied Marine Ecosystems Research Unit (aMER), which uses non-destructive techniques like underwater video and acoustic telemetry to assess marine protected areas (MPAs) and offshore aquaculture. Key projects include the decade-long Lyme Bay MPA assessment and investigations into the ecological benefits of offshore mussel farms. Dr. Sheehan teaches modules such as BIO504 (Aquaculture Health) and MAR526 (Marine Renewable Energy). Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in sustainable oceans (SDG 14). She has collaborated with organizations like Blue Marine Foundation and Defra, leading projects such as the RETURN and ROPE initiatives. Her research highlights the importance of whole-site MPA management, the role of MPAs in biodiversity recovery, and the synergistic benefits of combining conservation with blue economy initiatives like aquaculture. Notable achievements include co-authoring influential papers on MPA design, ghost fishing impacts, and ecosystem services of marine habitats. Dr. Sheehan's team has secured grants from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund for projects like ROPE (tracking predator interactions with mussel farms) and Angling for Sustainability (studying fish movements via acoustic tagging). She actively engages with stakeholders, including fishermen and policymakers, to ensure research informs practical conservation strategies. Her future work includes evaluating juvenile sea bass movements using tagging technologies and exploring the ecological implications of emerging marine industries. The aMER unit also disseminates findings through public videos, technical reports, and policy briefs, aiming to bridge science and societal needs for sustainable ocean management.

Camille SaurelView profile

Researcher

• Sustainable Aquaculture
• Marine Bivalve Ecology
• Coastal Restoration
• +5 more

Camille Saurel is a Senior Researcher at the Section for Coastal Ecology within the Technical University of Denmark's National Institute of Aquatic Resources. Their work focuses on sustainable low-trophic organism production, particularly mussels, oysters, and cockles, while also addressing biogenic reef restoration in coastal waters. Contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through research Coordinated course: Low Trophic Aquaculture (25348), 5ECTS Research interests span ecological impacts of bivalve production, coastal restoration techniques, and hatchery practices. They investigate biological/physical processes, invasive species effects, climate change impacts, and genetic diversity in bivalve populations. Current projects include: Horse mussel restoration Microalgae production for shellfish hatcheries Climate-adaptive shellfish aquaculture (CASA) Flat oyster grow out (FØGU) Their recent publications focus on on-bottom mussel cultivation strategies, oyster reef restoration techniques, and genetic diversity in marine keystone species.

Benjamin MosView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Invertebrate Aquaculture
• Shellfish Reef Restoration
• Crown-of-Thorns Starfish in Present-day and Future Oceans
• +2 more

Dr. Benjamin Mos is a Senior Lecturer in Aquaculture Biology at the School of the Environment, The University of Queensland. He is also an affiliate of the Centre for Marine Science and School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability. A Turrbal-descended Aboriginal man, Ben specializes in marine invertebrate aquaculture, crown-of-thorns starfish ecology, and human impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Education : BSc (Hons) in Marine Science and Management, University of New England; PhD in Marine Biology, Southern Cross University. Research Interests : His work focuses on Invertebrate Aquaculture (developing seafood supply technologies), Shellfish Reef Restoration (reviving marine ecosystems), Crown-of-Thorns Starfish in Present-day and Future Oceans (larval ecology under climate change), and Human Impacts in Aquatic Ecosystems (pollution, overfishing, and Indigenous science approaches). Recent articles explore climate change effects on marine invertebrates, bioplastic impacts, and larval food dynamics. Scientific Awards : ARC Discovery Indigenous Open Grant (2023-2024): "Does larval environment dictate resilience in a changing ocean?" Supervision & Collaboration : Ben supervises PhD students studying bioplastic effects on marine invertebrates and deep-water finfish biology. He leads a marine lab at Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah, collaborating with First Nations Peoples, industry, and governments. His lab specializes in custom seawater systems near coral reefs, mangroves, and freshwater habitats.

• Marine Biology
• Climate Change
• Aquaculture
• +3 more

Mitch Gibbs is a Research Fellow at the School of Geosciences, University of Sydney, with a PhD in Marine Biology/Biochemistry. As a Thungutti man through kinship with the Dunghutti nation, his work integrates Indigenous Ecological Knowledge with environmental science. He focuses on climate change impacts on marine organisms, coastal management, and the cultural significance of marine resources for First Nations peoples. Education: PhD in Marine Biology/Biochemistry. Notable affiliations include collaborations with Indigenous rangers and institutions like the Sydney Environment Institute. Research interests center on bridging Indigenous knowledge with ecological science, particularly in marine ecosystems. His work addresses climate change effects on species like oysters and corals, and the role of traditional practices in conservation. Recent studies explore habitat mapping, urchin barrens, and the sustainable management of coastal resources. Key grants include "The Importance of Traditional Knowledge Pathways for Conserving Sea Country" (2024, Sydney Environment Institute) "INDIGENOUS ORAL HISTORIES OF GAMAY" (2022, James N Kirby Foundation) His research extends to policy and community engagement, emphasizing cultural revitalization through ecological stewardship. While no formal advisees are listed, his collaborative projects with Indigenous communities reflect his commitment to participatory science. Notable projects include studies on Gamay (Botany Bay) ecology and the impact of climate stressors on marine species, contributing to both academic and applied conservation outcomes.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Genetics
• +6 more

Associate Professor Craig Sherman is a leading researcher at Deakin University, where he serves as Associate Head of School (Research and Industry Engagement) in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences under the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment. His work bridges ecological and molecular approaches to address critical questions in evolutionary biology, population genomics, and marine ecosystem restoration. Education : PhD (University of Wollongong), Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Deakin University), BSc (University of Wales) Research Interests focus on genetic adaptation in marine and terrestrial organisms, invasive species dynamics, ecosystem restoration strategies (particularly seagrass), and the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) for biosecurity and forensic purposes. His group investigates species like sea anemones, European starlings, and marine invertebrates to uncover fundamental ecological and evolutionary mechanisms. Recent Publications highlight advancements in seagrass restoration techniques, genomic assessments of apex predators like white and tiger sharks, and the development of eDNA tools for marine monitoring and forensic applications. His work also addresses climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, biofouling management, and genetic diversity in aquaculture practices. Grants and Projects include significant funding from organizations like Melbourne Water Corporation, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, and Ecological Society of Australia. These initiatives support research into seagrass nursery development, marine pest detection, and climate-resilient restoration methods. Supervision spans 18 current and completed doctoral projects, covering topics such as white shark genetics, seagrass restoration, invasive species ecology, and climate adaptation in marine organisms. His lab, EcoGenetics Lab , trains students in advanced molecular and ecological techniques. Teaching emphasizes evolutionary biology, population genetics, and marine ecology. His collaboration network extends globally, with partnerships in Australia, the UK, and the US.

F. Joel FodrieView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Coastal Ecology
• Fishery Production
• Landscape Ecology
• +7 more

Dr. F. Joel Fodrie is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Institute of Marine Sciences (UNC-CH) within the Biology Department. His research focuses on coastal ecology, including population dynamics of fishes, shellfish, seagrasses, and saltmarshes. He examines habitat quality's impact on fisheries, landscape ecology, restoration strategies, and climate effects. Affiliated with the Department of Marine Sciences and the Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology, he has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. His work spans U.S. coastlines, emphasizing estuarine ecosystems and their management. Notable collaborations include studies on oyster reef restoration, seagrass restoration, and socioecological impacts of shellfish farming. Dr. Fodrie holds a Ph.D. from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (2006) and has over 100 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Ecology . Research Themes: Coastal habitat-fishery linkages Landscape ecology & restoration approaches Marine population connectivity Climate variability impacts on fisheries Students and Alumni: Advised over 20 graduate students/postdocs transitioning to academic and policy roles. Current students include Tyler O'Keefe (shellfish mariculture) and Kamya Bates (seagrass restoration).