Stephen B. Baines

Stephen B. Baines is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University. He holds a Ph.D. from Yale University (1993) and specializes in aquatic ecosystem ecology and ecological stoichiometry. His research focuses on understanding elemental composition variability in plankton, dissolved organic matter dynamics, and regional climate impacts on ecosystem synchrony.

Education

• Ph.D., Ecology, Yale University, 1993

Research Interests

Dr. Baines investigates how organism traits and environmental factors shape ecosystem processes, including:

• Elemental stoichiometry in phytoplankton and zooplankton
• Bioavailability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and contaminant transport
• Climate-driven synchronization in lake and coastal systems
• Biogeochemical cycles of silicon, iron, and trace metals

His lab employs techniques such as synchrotron X-ray fluorescence and biokinetic modeling to study single-cell elemental composition.

Articles Overview

Recent work explores Arctic tundra plant functional types, copepod stoichiometry, and marine silica cycles. Key themes include understanding how elemental ratios shape food webs and ecosystem resilience to climate change.

Lab & Teams

Directs the Baines Lab, focusing on aquatic biogeochemistry and ecological stoichiometry. Collaborates widely on projects involving X-ray microscopy, coastal wetlands, and global biogeochemical modeling.