Patrick T. Martone

Dr. Patrick T. Martone is a Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of British Columbia, where he has served since 2008. His research focuses on the biomechanics, evolution, and ecophysiology of marine macroalgae, particularly kelps and coralline algae. He leads the Martone Lab, which investigates how seaweeds adapt to wave-swept environments and respond to climate change stressors.

His educational background includes:

• PhD from Stanford University (2001-2007)
• BS from Duke University (1994-1998)

Dr. Martone's research examines biomechanical adaptations of seaweeds in high-flow environments, evolutionary patterns in coralline algae, and impacts of climate change on marine macroalgal communities. His work integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and phylogenetic analyses to understand how physical forces shape algal morphology and function. Recent projects investigate phenotypic plasticity in kelps, calcification processes in coralline algae, and restoration techniques for declining kelp forests.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on climate change impacts on marine macroalgae, particularly examining temperature and pH effects on coralline algae calcification and biomechanics. His work spans from fundamental biomechanical studies of algal joints to applied research on kelp restoration. A consistent theme is understanding how wave-swept environments drive morphological and biomechanical adaptations in seaweeds.

Dr. Martone actively mentors students and postdocs:

• Current students: Alana Breitkreutz (PhD), Elliot Porcher (PhD), Varoon Supratya (PhD), Emma Jourdain (PhD), Ruby Burns (MSc), Emma Hancock (MSc)
• Notable alumni: Rachael Wade (Postdoc), Brenton Twist (Postdoc), Matt Whalen (Postdoc), Sam Starko (PhD), Kyra Janot (PhD)

The Martone Lab maintains strong collaborations with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, where he teaches MRNE425: Ecological Adaptations of Seaweeds. His lab combines field work along the British Columbia coast with laboratory studies on algal biomechanics and physiology, operating from Room 3224 in the Biological Sciences Building at UBC.