Michael McCoy

Michael McCoy serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University, specializing in quantitative ecology through mechanistic approaches that link individual traits to population/community processes. He is currently transitioning his research program to Florida Atlantic University - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (FAU-HBOI), expanding his marine ecological focus.

His academic foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Zoology, University of Florida (2006)
• M.Sc. in Biology, Old Dominion University (2000)
• B.Sc. in Biology, Old Dominion University (1996)

Dr. McCoy's research integrates five interconnected themes: phenotypic plasticity consequences, body size-dependent interactions, cross-ecosystem dynamics via complex life cycles, multiple predator effects, and innovative methodological development. His work bridges empirical data with ecological theory to address conservation challenges through statistical and experimental rigor.

As director of the McCoy Lab, he cultivates expertise in quantitative methods applicable to both terrestrial and emerging marine research contexts following the FAU-HBOI transition. His mentoring emphasizes mechanistic understanding of how individual variation scales to ecological processes.

Prospective students should contact Dr. McCoy directly regarding current advising capacity during this institutional transition. His active research program suggests ongoing grant support for projects aligning with his core themes in quantitative and conservation ecology.