Max C.N. Castorani
Associate Professor
I am a marine ecologist with primary interests in population and community ecology. Although projects in our research group are diverse, we are collectively interested in understanding patterns of biodiversity in coastal marine ecosystems such as kelp forests, seagrass meadows, and oyster reefs. Our studies combine long-term observations, experiments, and models to explain the abundance and distribution of species across a broad range of spatial scales. These efforts aim to advance fundamental knowledge in ecology and inform the conservation and management of coastal habitats and their associated wildlife.
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Publications
Teaching
Fundamentals of Ecology (EVSC 3200)
Studies energy flow, nutrient cycling and allocation in natural ecosystems, organization of species at the population and community levels, and interaction between people and the biosphere.
Coastal and Estuarine Ecology (EVSC 4110 / EVEC 7110)
An interdisciplinary course covering the physical, biogeochemical and ecological aspects of coastal estuaries.
Spatial Ecology (EVSC 4170 / EVEC 7170)
Examines how spatial patterns and processes influence ecological systems across a broad range of biological organization, including genes, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Investigates the central role of humans in altering spatial ecological processes and the consequences for human wellbeing.
Messy Data: Statistical Methods in Ecology and Environmental Sciences (EVSC 5040)
Explores the many types of complex data structures that are common in observational and experimental ecology, such as non-linear effects, heterogeneity of variance, nested data, non-independence. Using the R programming language, students will be provided with an introduction to implementing several types of advanced statistical models.
Empirical & Scientific Engagement (EGMT 1520)
In this class students will learn to analyze claims about the material and social worlds through formulation and testing of new questions and hypotheses based on observation and experience.
Coastal Ecology Seminar (EVSC 7122)
A graduate/undergraduate seminar on current topics in coastal ecology.