Maria Kavanaugh

Maria Kavanaugh is an Associate Professor in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) at Oregon State University. Her research focuses on seascape ecology, remote sensing, and global change impacts on marine ecosystems. She leads the Seascape Ecology Lab, applying satellite data to map oceanic 'seascapes'—dynamic regions defined by physical and biological characteristics. Her work bridges ecology, oceanography, and conservation, with projects spanning the Arctic, Antarctic, and U.S. coasts.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography, Oregon State University (2012)
• Postdoctoral Research at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2012–2015)

Research Interests:

Kavanaugh’s research integrates satellite remote sensing with ecological principles to study phytoplankton dynamics, biodiversity patterns, and climate-driven shifts in marine ecosystems. She develops frameworks to monitor pelagic ecosystems using seascape classifications, aiding in conservation and fisheries management. Recent projects include studying Arctic seascapes amid warming and analyzing phytoplankton responses to Antarctic sea-ice variability.

Grants & Funding:

• NASA-funded studies on global and Arctic seascapes
• Partnerships with NOAA, MBON, and National Marine Sanctuaries

Labs & Teams:

Her lab collaborates globally on projects like the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) and the Ecological Marine Units project. She also contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives like the Antarctic Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) network.