We are interested in physiological adaptations of marine animals to their complex and dynamic environment. We research the adaptations these animals have developed to temperature, salinity, light, and especially oxygen levels.
Oxygen balance is an essential requirement for all animals. Too little oxygen and the cell’s mitochondria are unable to produce sufficient ATP, leading to cell death; too much and oxygen free radicals form, leading to cell damage and eventually death. Cellular survival depends on a careful balance of oxygen supply and demand.
We study how animals manage to strike a balance in oxygen supply and demand throughout environmental and exercise challenges. Cephalopods are especially interesting since they are able to sustain very active lifestyles (high oxygen demand) despite phylogenetically-constrained oxygen supply. We are broadly interested in many aspects of cephalopod biology. We apply an integrative approach to research that incorporates biochemistry, genetics, physiology, behavior, and ecology to gain a holistic understanding of these taxa and their role in marine ecosystems.
Updated: 30 Nov 2022