Brent B. Hughes

Brent B. Hughes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Sonoma State University. His research focuses on coastal ecosystems, including seagrass, salt marshes, and kelp forests, with an emphasis on the stability of these habitats under human and climatic pressures. He leads the Hughes Lab, which investigates predator recovery impacts, climate drivers, foundation species roles, and ecosystem resilience. He holds a B.A. from Truman State University (2001), M.S. from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (2007), and Ph.D. from UC Santa Cruz (2014). Postdoctoral work included fellowships at Duke University and Friday Harbor Labs.

Research interests span community ecology, conservation, and coastal management. Key themes include predator-driven ecosystem stability, climate vs. anthropogenic stressors, and restoration strategies. His lab collaborates widely to bridge academia, management, and public engagement.

Notable publications explore sea otter recovery effects on seagrass systems, climate-driven changes in marine consumption, and oyster restoration frameworks. Awards include the David H. Smith Research Conservation Fellowship.

Advising includes undergraduate and graduate students, as well as citizen scientists. Current projects address ecosystem resistance to global stressors and the role of biodiversity in coastal resilience.