Jacob Allgeier

Jacob Allgeier is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan, where he leads the Coastal Ecology and Conservation Lab. His research applies ecological theory to solve real-world conservation issues, with a focus on how behavioral, population, and community dynamics mediate nutrient and energy pathways in tropical coastal ecosystems including mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. His work examines how anthropogenic impacts affect ecosystem processes and the services they provide, particularly relevant to food security in coastal societies.

Dr. Allgeier earned his B.S. in Biology from Centre College and his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia's Odum School of Ecology. His educational background has positioned him at the forefront of ecosystem ecology research, blending theoretical frameworks with practical conservation applications.

Allgeier's research interests center on ecosystem ecology, food web ecology, and coral reef ecology within the broader context of global change and sustainability. He investigates how nutrient and energy pathways function in coastal ecosystems and how human activities alter these processes. His work often takes place along gradients of anthropogenic impact, allowing him to test ecological theory within the context of environmental change and biodiversity loss. He emphasizes integrative collaborations across various fields to address complex conservation challenges in tropical coastal environments.

His most recent publications reveal a strong focus on seagrass ecosystems, artificial reefs, and coral reef resilience. The research demonstrates how nutrient dynamics, fish behavior, and anthropogenic stressors interact to shape ecosystem functioning in coastal environments. Key themes include the role of fish in nutrient cycling, the impacts of human activities on ecosystem stability, and the potential for conservation interventions to maintain ecosystem services in the face of global change.

• His research on "Fishing down nutrients on coral reefs" was featured in over 40 news outlets including National Geographic
• His PNAS 2015 paper received feature commentary in PNAS and numerous independent news outlets
• His students have received prestigious awards including the National Marine Fisheries Service Fellowship and the Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research
• He was interviewed for Canadian Broadcasting Company's "Quirks and Quarks" regarding his research

Dr. Allgeier currently advises multiple PhD students including Bridget Shayka, Katrina Munsterman, and Nepsis Garcia, and has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers through the UROP program. His lab includes postdocs, technicians, and undergraduate researchers working on diverse aspects of coastal ecosystem ecology. He has secured funding for research initiatives including the PODS (Precollege Ocean Discovery and Science) program for Bahamian high school students, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and education. His lab's research has been supported by various grants that enable fieldwork in The Bahamas and other tropical locations, focusing on the intersection of ecological theory and practical conservation.

The Coastal Ecology and Conservation Lab maintains active research programs in The Bahamas, conducting field studies on coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove ecosystems. The lab collaborates with local communities and organizations, including work in Haiti that has resulted in educational videos distributed to schools throughout the region. Allgeier's team works at the interface of basic ecological research and applied conservation, with a strong emphasis on how their findings can inform management decisions for coastal ecosystems facing multiple stressors.