Emily Jones

Emily Jones is a Lecturer in Ecology and Marine Biology at the Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic Humboldt State University. She serves as the Rising Tides Faculty Coordinator and specializes in marine community ecology, focusing on seaweed-herbivore interactions and biodiversity dynamics in intertidal systems.

Education

• Ph.D. in Ecology, San Diego State University and University of California, Davis (2016)
• M.S. in Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island (2007)
• B.S. in Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis (2004)

Research Focus

Dr. Jones explores environmental and biological factors structuring marine communities. Her work spans three main themes: (1) herbivore-induced seaweed defenses, (2) biodiversity change drivers, and (3) ecosystem process implications. She employs field manipulations, lab experiments, and analytical methods to study intertidal seaweed assemblages.

Her recent projects examine spatial variation in seaweed palatability and mangrove expansion impacts on Gulf of Mexico salt marsh herbivores. Earlier studies investigated inducible defenses, habitat-modifying invasives, and vertical intertidal herbivore preferences.

Labs & Collaborations

She has collaborated with the Long Lab, Stachowicz Lab, Thornber Lab, Bracken Lab, Williams Lab, and NOAA Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems. Her fieldwork spans Telonicher Marine Lab, San Diego State Coastal Marine Institute, Bodega Marine Lab, and NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center locations.