Brian Gaylord

Brian Gaylord is Professor in Evolution and Ecology at UC Davis's College of Biological Sciences and affiliated with the Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute. His research investigates ecological biomechanics and biological-physical coupling in coastal marine systems, focusing on how physical processes constrain organismal design and ecological patterns.

Current research examines: biomechanical adaptations of marine organisms; scaling relationships in fluid dynamics; ocean acidification impacts on calcifiers; kelp forest ecosystem persistence; and coastal biogeochemistry. Recent work demonstrates seagrass-mediated pH buffering, multimodal dispersal strategies in kelp, and predator-prey dynamics under acidification stress.

Gaylord teaches courses including Introduction to Ecology, Mechanical Design in Organisms, Marine Environmental Issues, and Coastal Marine Research. His lab employs field measurements, laboratory experiments, and modeling approaches to understand marine ecosystem responses to environmental change.