Brad A. Seibel

Brad A. Seibel is a Professor in the Department of Biological Oceanography at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science. His research focuses on understanding how marine organisms adapt to extreme environments and the ecological consequences of climate change, including ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and warming.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara (1998)
• B.A. in Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara (1992)

Research Interests: Dr. Seibel investigates physiological mechanisms shaping organismal performance and ecosystem dynamics across marine habitats—from polar regions to abyssal plains. He employs comparative approaches to study metabolic limits, biogeography, and adaptation in species ranging from microzooplankton to large pelagic organisms. Key themes include integrating mitochondrial to ecosystem-level processes and predicting climate-driven shifts in marine biodiversity.

Major Projects (2015–2024):

• Next generation sensor systems for natural oceanic bioluminescence assessments (Office of Naval Research)
• Ecophysiological framework for hypoxia-driven habitat loss in the California Current (California Sea Grant)
• Metabolic index for oxygen minimum zone impacts on midwater ecosystems (NSF)

Teaching: Courses include Biological Oceanography, Ecological Physiology, Marine Ecology, and Pelagic Ecology.

Labs/Teams: Director of the Comparative Environmental Physiology (CEPh) Lab, which focuses on physiological responses to environmental extremes.