Andy Chang

Andy Chang is an Adjunct Professor of Biology at San Francisco State University and Program Leader at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center's West Coast branch located at the Romberg Tiburon Campus. His research focuses on marine invasions, estuarine ecology, and the impacts of environmental drivers on coastal ecosystems. He leads a team studying how non-native species invasions and human activities influence species diversity, biogeography, and ecosystem functioning in estuaries like San Francisco Bay.

Chang’s work integrates field surveys, experiments, and modeling to address ecological questions. Key areas include the effects of freshwater flow, temperature variability, and climate change on marine communities. He collaborates with institutions like the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to assess oyster population dynamics and invasive species management. His lab, based at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center since 2000, emphasizes long-term studies of California coastal systems.

Recent publications highlight studies on invasive predator impacts on native oysters, microalgal hull fouling communities, and the equatorward spread of cold-water species. His research underscores the importance of understanding both natural and anthropogenic drivers in coastal ecosystems.

Chang’s contributions bridge applied and theoretical ecology, informing conservation strategies for marine biodiversity and sustainable coastal management.