Kenneth L. Heck, Jr.

Dr. Kenneth L. Heck, Jr. is a Professor of Marine Sciences at the University of South Alabama, affiliated with the Stokes School of Marine & Environmental Sciences. He holds additional roles as Senior Marine Scientist III and Chair at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and Associate Director of the Alabama Center for Ecological Resilience (ACER). His research focuses on seagrass ecology, coastal restoration, and climate-driven ecosystem changes. He earned his Ph.D. in Ecology from Florida State University (1976).

Education:

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Florida State University, 1976

Research Interests:

• Seagrass-fauna interactions in meadows
• Restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), oyster reefs, and wetlands
• Impacts of tropicalization on northern Gulf of Mexico ecosystems
• Climate change effects on marine communities
• Coastal habitat restoration (e.g., oyster reefs, shoreline stabilization)

Grants & Collaborations:

• NSF funding for marine science infrastructure
• US Fish and Wildlife projects on mangrove expansion and seagrass monitoring
• National Parks Service seagrass surveys in Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Coastal Impact Assistance Program initiatives

Labs/Teams: Leads a research group studying seagrass restoration, fisheries ecology, and climate adaptation. Collaborates with institutions like Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the Alabama Center for Ecological Resilience.