Faculty research interests
Biology faculty and students engage in research in the following major areas, with several faculty spanning multiple areas. Adjunct faculty from other USM departments and from local nongovernmental organizations and federal agencies bring additional expertise. For more information about their work, click on the faculty member's name.
Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Physiology
Hormonal control of insect metamorphosis - Dave Champlin
Effects of arsenic on the developing nervous system - Doug Currie
Mosquito and tick vectors that transmit bacterial and viral pathogens to humans - Catherine Miller
Genetic determinants of wing shape in Drosophila - Ken Weber
Trade offs between form and function in fishes - Jeff Walker
Role of brown and beige adipose tissue in obesity - Aaron Brown (adjunct faculty)
Signaling mechanisms impacting vascular development and remodeling - Lucy Liaw (adjunct faculty)
Role of bone marrow cells in progression of multiple myeloma - Michaela Reagan (adjunct faculty)
Interactions between immune and cardiac cells after heart injury - Sergey Ryzhov (adjunct faculty)
Ecology and Evolution
Predator-prey dynamics in marine systems - Rachel Lasley-Rasher
Evolution of mammalian social behavior - Chris Maher
Salt marsh plant ecology-- Terry Theodose
Evolutionary models of trade offs between form and function - Jeff Walker
Long term selection for wing shape and flight performance in Drosophila - Ken Weber
Algal physiological ecology and marine agronomy - Ira Levine (adjunct faculty)
Mortality threats and factors affecting reproduction in loons - Jim Paruk (adjunct faculty)
Ecology of pelagic seabirds - Iain Stenhouse (adjunct faculty)
Freshwater-marine linkages and salt marsh restoration - Karen Wilson (adjunct faculty)
Estuarine ecology, restoration, and protection - Curtis Bohlen (adjunct faculty)
Marine ecology and fisheries in the Gulf of Maine - Marissa McMahan (adjunct faculty)
