Andy Fraass

Dr. Andy Fraass is an Assistant Professor in Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria's Faculty of Science. His research program investigates how marine plankton respond to environmental changes using microfossil records, with particular focus on paleoceanographic proxies and evolutionary patterns. As Principal Investigator of the UVic Micropaleontology Lab, he leads NSF-funded projects including eODP (extending Ocean Drilling Pursuits).

Education:

• Ph.D in Geosciences, University Massachusetts - Amherst (2015)
• M.Sc. in Geology, University of Wisconsin - Madison (2009)
• B.S. in Zoology & Geology, University of Wisconsin - Madison (2007)

Research combines paleobiological approaches with geochemical proxy development to understand pelagic ecosystem vulnerabilities to climate change, especially regarding carbonate compensation depth fluctuations and biological pump efficiency.

Publication trends show consistent focus on microfossil response to biotic/abiotic stressors across geological timescales, particularly during major transitions like the Oligocene-Miocene boundary and Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction.

Awards:

• Cushman Foundation Student Travel Award (2015)
• Teaching Assistant of the Year Award (2010)

Current graduate students investigate size responses to astronomical forcing and nutrient cycles. Lab maintains active field programs in the Caribbean and Pacific.