Andrew Thurber

Andrew Thurber is an Associate Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology. His research focuses on deep-sea and polar ecosystems, particularly the interplay between microbial processes and multicellular organisms in soft-sediment habitats. Prior to UCSB, he held a faculty position at Oregon State University's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and Department of Microbiology, following a National Science Foundation Polar Postdoctoral Fellowship. His work addresses global biogeochemical cycles and the ecological impacts of trophic interactions in extreme environments like methane-fueled habitats.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology, Hawai'i Pacific University (minor in Mathematics)
• Master’s in Marine Science, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (Antarctic ecology focus)
• PhD in Biological Oceanography, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (deep-sea methane seep ecology)

Research Interests: Dr. Thurber’s work bridges microbial ecology, organismal biology, and ecosystem-level processes. He investigates how animal grazing affects microbial-driven biogeochemistry in deep-sea and polar regions, with implications for greenhouse gas dynamics and planetary health. His lab explores methane-seep ecosystems, microbial consumption by invertebrates, and the functional ecology of understudied habitats.

Scientific Awards:

• National Science Foundation Polar Postdoctoral Fellow (hosted at Oregon State University)

Advising and Grants: While specific grants or advisees are not detailed here, his research has been supported by NSF funding, and his academic trajectory reflects a strong commitment to mentoring. His lab at UCSB continues to advance interdisciplinary approaches to marine and deep-sea ecology.

Labs/Teams: Dr. Thurber leads a research group focused on polar and deep-sea systems, collaborating with institutions globally to address ecological and biogeochemical questions in understudied marine environments.