Matthias W. Foellmer

Matthias W. Foellmer is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Adelphi University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. He is actively engaged in research, teaching, and professional service, including serving as Treasurer of the American Association of University Professors, Adelphi Chapter.

His educational background includes a PhD from Concordia University (Montreal, 2004) and a BSc equivalent (German Diploma) in Biology from Freie Universität Berlin (1996).

Dr. Foellmer's research focuses on two major areas: evolutionary ecology of spiders, particularly extreme sexual size dimorphism, sexual cannibalism, and male mating strategies; and applied salt marsh ecology, investigating the impacts of pollution, pesticides, and climate change on Long Island ecosystems. His work integrates field and laboratory approaches to understand behavioral, physiological, and ecological dynamics.

The most recent 15 publications reflect a sustained focus on spider behavioral ecology, with emerging work on marine invertebrate responses to thermal stress and anthropogenic pollutants. Keywords span evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and environmental science, with subfields including sexual selection, locomotor performance, bioaccumulation, and climate resilience.

Scientific awards include:

• Frederick Bettelheim Award (2010) for research on sexual cannibalism in spiders

Dr. Foellmer has mentored numerous students through guided research projects and publications. He has secured external and internal funding, including an NSERC Discovery Grant (CA$106,000) and multiple Adelphi Faculty Development Grants. He actively contributes to the scientific community as a Subject Editor for Web Ecology and as a reviewer for over 30 journals and funding agencies such as NSF and NSERC.

He collaborates internationally with researchers in Spain, Germany, and Canada, and co-teaches a biennial field course in Australia on coral reef and rainforest ecology with Prof. Aaren Freeman. His lab investigates heavy metal transport and pesticide effects in salt marsh food webs, contributing to conservation and environmental policy.