Kelly Sutherland

Kelly Sutherland is a Professor of Biology at the University of Oregon, affiliated with both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) in Charleston. She holds a Ph.D. from MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2009), an M.S. from the University of South Alabama (2004), and a B.S. from Tufts University (1999). Her research bridges biology and physics, focusing on biomechanics and fluid-environment interactions in marine organisms, particularly gelatinous zooplankton.

• Education:
  • B.S., Tufts University (1999)
  • M.S., University of South Alabama (2004)
  • Ph.D., MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2009)

Sutherland’s lab investigates ecological and evolutionary roles of gelatinous plankton, which are understudied yet critical to marine food webs. Her work emphasizes predator-prey dynamics, multi-jet propulsion, and microbial-grazing interactions, employing in situ video, kinematic analysis, and flow visualization. Recent studies explore colonial salp swimming efficiency, appendicularian particle selection, and ctenophore ecological impacts in open oceanic ecosystems.

Research Trends: Recent publications highlight Salp colonial architecture, multi-jet propulsion, microbial prey dynamics, particle surface properties, and hydrodynamic advantages in pelagic organisms. Collaborative themes span biomechanics, ecosystem impacts, and evolutionary adaptations.

Advising & Outreach: Dr. Sutherland mentors undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students at both the Eugene campus and OIMB, with lab opportunities in lab/field studies and summer research. She encourages external funding applications and collaborates with environmental studies programs. Outreach includes partnerships with journalists, filmmakers, and artists to communicate science to broader audiences.