Melissa May

Melissa May is an Assistant Professor of Marine Biology at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), affiliated with the Coastal Watershed Institute and Water School. She earned her PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Maine (2017), followed by postdoctoral research at California Polytechnic State University on mussel stress physiology. Her research focuses on marine invertebrate physiology, particularly the effects of environmental stressors like temperature, salinity, and food availability on organisms such as mussels and oysters. She collaborates with the Vester Marine Station on oyster reef health and larval stress impacts. Dr. May teaches courses in oceanography, marine ecology, and cellular physiology, and actively mentors undergraduate students. She is a member of the Society for Comparative and Integrative Biology and National Shellfisheries Association.

Education:

• PhD in Marine Biology, University of Maine (2017)
• Postdoctoral Research: Marine Environmental Proteomics, California Polytechnic State University
• M.S. in Marine Science, University of San Diego
• B.S. in Zoology, Northern Arizona University

Research Highlights: Investigates ecophysiological stress responses in intertidal mussels, including the role of sirtuins in regulating heat shock recovery, larval stress carryover effects, and oyster reef dynamics. Uses comparative and integrative approaches to study stress across biological scales (genes to whole organisms).

Publications & Presentations: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles on mussel physiology, metabolomics, and environmental stress. Presented at conferences including the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology and National Shellfisheries Association.

Labs & Collaborations: Leads projects at FGCU’s Vester Marine Station, focusing on oyster monitoring in Estero Bay and larval stress studies. Collaborates with institutions to advance marine invertebrate research.