Deron Burkepile

Dr. Deron Burkepile is a Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research focuses on understanding how consumer diversity, nutrient pollution, and global change impact coral reef and savanna ecosystems. He leads the Burkepile Community Ecology Laboratory, which integrates field experiments and data synthesis to address ecological and conservation challenges.

Dr. Burkepile earned a B.A. in Biology from the University of Mississippi (1999) and a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech (2006). Before joining UCSB, he held positions at Florida International University and Yale University. His work spans marine and terrestrial systems, with a primary focus on coral reefs.

Research Themes:

• Consumer biodiversity and ecosystem function
• Predation risk and herbivore distribution
• Nutrient pollution and coral health
• Global change impacts on consumer-prey interactions

Recent Article Trends: Recent studies emphasize coral bleaching mechanisms, nutrient interactions, and the role of herbivores in ecosystem resilience. His team explores how anthropogenic stressors like overfishing and climate shifts disrupt ecological processes.

Advising & Grants: Dr. Burkepile mentors a diverse group of graduate students and postdocs. Notable advisees include Dr. Mark Ladd (NOAA) and Dr. Laura Bhatti Catano (Emory University). His lab collaborates with institutions like the Moorea Coral Reef LTER and NSF-funded programs.

Labs & Teams: The lab operates out of the Marine Sciences Building at UCSB, conducting fieldwork in locations like French Polynesia, Florida Keys, and African savannas. The group emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and DEI initiatives to foster inclusive scientific communities.