Bonnie Brown

Bonnie Brown is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of New Hampshire's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. Her work focuses on ecological genetics, using molecular genetic markers to study conservation, restoration, and aquaculture, with an emphasis on metagenomics and the genetic health of natural populations. She leads a department integrating biological systems, neurobiology, ecology, behavior, and biodiversity to understand human-environment interactions.

Education:

• Ph.D., Oceanography, Old Dominion University
• B.S., Biology, University of Alabama Birmingham

Research Interests: Bonnie's research explores how human activities impact genetic diversity and ecosystem resilience. She investigates microbial communities, invasive species, and oyster restoration in estuaries such as Great Bay. Her studies combine genetic tools, environmental sampling, and interdisciplinary approaches to address challenges in conservation and aquaculture. She also examines microplastic pollution and its effects on coastal habitats, aiming to inform sustainable management practices.

Her recent publications highlight trends in metagenomic analyses of aquatic ecosystems, stakeholder engagement in aquaculture, and the application of flow cytometry and eDNA techniques. These studies underscore her focus on bridging environmental science with practical solutions for ecosystem restoration and human health.

Awards: No scientific awards explicitly listed in the texts.

Advising & Grants: Bonnie advises doctoral students (BIOL 999) and teaches courses like Forensic Sciences Lab, Biology Teaching Practices, and Honors Senior Thesis. No specific grants or funding details are mentioned, but her research likely involves collaborative projects given her department's interdisciplinary nature. Her work engages with oyster growers and policymakers to inform restoration efforts.

Labs/Teams: While not explicitly named, her research aligns with the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture's focus areas, particularly in ecological and microbiological studies. She contributes to labs investigating metagenomics, aquatic ecosystems, and conservation genetics.