معرفی
Joshua Lord is an Associate Professor of Biology at Moravian University, where he has been teaching since Fall 2017. He previously served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Bates College. His research focuses on marine ecology, particularly examining how environmental conditions affect species interactions and biological communities, with special emphasis on invertebrate behavior.
- B.A. in Biology (magna cum laude) with Honors, Colby College
- M.S. in Marine Biology, University of Oregon
- Ph.D. in Oceanography, University of Connecticut
Dr. Lord's research spans marine ecology, invertebrate zoology, climate change impacts, invasive species dynamics, and predator-prey interactions. He has pioneered work on social hierarchies in marine invertebrates and unique antipredator behaviors in shrimp, particularly the grass shrimp Palaemon pugio. His laboratory investigates how changing environmental conditions, especially ocean acidification, affect animal behavior and species interactions in marine ecosystems.
Analysis of Dr. Lord's publication record reveals a strong focus on marine behavioral ecology with particular attention to how climate change factors like ocean acidification disrupt chemical signaling and predator-prey relationships. His work spans from molecular to ecosystem levels, with significant contributions to understanding social hierarchies in marine invertebrates, impacts of invasive species, and temperature effects on marine communities. The research shows an evolution from basic ecological studies toward more applied climate change research, particularly examining how acidification affects sensory capabilities and behavior in marine organisms.
Dr. Lord has served as a review panelist for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program and as Chief Scientist for multiple MBARI research expeditions. He regularly presents at major scientific conferences including the Benthic Ecology Meeting and Western Society of Naturalists meeting, and has given invited talks at institutions including the Darling Marine Center, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Dr. Lord created the iBARGE (invasive bryozoan and ascidian recruitment and growth experiment) citizen science program in 2014, which engaged over 30 schools across 5 countries in monitoring invasive marine species. His laboratory at Moravian University provides extensive research opportunities for undergraduate students, with numerous students conducting independent research, honors theses, and participating in the SOAR program. Current research projects include studies on shrimp antipredator behavior, hierarchy formation in marine invertebrates, ocean acidification effects on behavior, and deep-sea coral feeding.
Dr. Lord leads annual field marine ecology courses to Jamaica at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, providing students with hands-on research experience in tropical marine environments. These immersive experiences allow students to conduct original research on coral reefs, mangroves, and other marine habitats while learning about Jamaican culture and history.
