Paul Rawson

Paul Rawson is an Associate Professor of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine, affiliated with the School of Biology and Ecology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina (1996) and specializes in ecological and physiological genetics of marine bivalves, population genetics of marine invertebrates, and selective breeding for commercial shellfish. His research integrates molecular biology, ecology, and aquaculture to address challenges in marine resource management.

Education: Ph.D. 1996, University of South Carolina.

Research Interests include:

• Genetic basis of adaptation in marine bivalves
• Population structure and phylogenetics of invertebrates
• Selective breeding for oyster disease resistance and growth
• Species complexes and cryptic speciation in marine polychaetes

Publications focus on topics like shellfish parasite distribution, genetic diversity of marine populations, and aquaculture optimization. Recent work addresses novel species complexes in polychaetes, salinity tolerance of shellfish, and hybrid performance in oysters.

No scientific awards explicitly mentioned. Advising and grants: No specific advisees or grant details listed, though his work involves collaborative projects with institutions like Maine Sea Grant and the NOAA National Research Council (NRAC).

Labs/Teams: Conducts research in the School of Biology and Ecology labs at Orono, collaborating with aquaculture partners and international researchers on shellfish genetics and marine ecology.