Kelly Major

Dr. Kelly Major is a Professor and Department Chair in the Biology Department at the University of South Alabama, located in Mobile, AL. She also serves as Curator of the USA Herbarium and Co-Director of UTeach South. Her academic background includes a B.A. in Biology and Education from Elmira College (1990) and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Maine (1995).

Her research focuses on algal and plant physiological ecology, particularly stress tolerance mechanisms, invasive species impacts, and ecosystem resilience in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Current projects explore nitrogen effects on plant competition, climate change impacts, and post-disturbance ecological recovery. She has advised multiple graduate students and collaborates on restoration ecology initiatives.

Recent publications (2005–2013) emphasize aquatic plant physiology, metal bioaccumulation, and ecosystem responses to environmental stressors. Her work bridges laboratory studies with field-based ecological assessments, contributing to coastal conservation and resource management strategies.

• Education:
• B.A. Biology & Education, Elmira College (1990)
• Ph.D. Biological Sciences, University of Maine (1995)
• Professional Roles:
• Department Chair, Biology Department
• Curator, USA Herbarium
• Co-Director, UTeach South
• Awards: None explicitly listed

Teaching responsibilities include advanced courses on algal biology, plant physiological ecology, and professional development in science. Her research lab actively investigates plant community dynamics in disturbed ecosystems, with fieldwork concentrated in coastal Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico region.