Wildlife Evolution and Behavior (WEB)

seals

Project Team

Greg O’Corry-Crowe

Greg O’Corry-Crowe, Ph.D.
Research Professor
772-242-2628
gocorryc@e21system.com

Google Scholar Research Gate | Website

 Greg’s research program focuses on combining molecular genetic analysis with field ecology to study the molecular and behavioral ecology of marine apex predators. Both longitudinal (time) and latitudinal (space) studies on marine mammals and birds in polar, temperate and tropical ecosystems are pursued. He is particularly interested in investigating the effects of ecosystem and climate change on upper trophic levels and on top-down/bottom-up forcing. Greg completed his studies (B.Sc., Ph.D.) at University College Dublin, Ireland, where he focused on terrestrial mammals (ungulates and carnivores) before embarking on a career in marine science. He ran a research group at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, California, for 14 years studying the molecular and behavioral ecology of several marine mammal species. Current research includes field and lab studies on beluga whales, Steller sea lions, ice seals, bottlenose dolphins and polar bears. 

His research interests extend beyond the marine realm to the evolution of social behavior and mating systems in mammals, the role of individual fitness in population viability and adaptation, applying Resilience concepts to ecosystems and wildlife species, and the application of ancient DNA technology to ecosystem and evolutionary questions. Prior to joining Florida Atlantic University, Greg was adjunct professor at San Diego State University. He has an active graduate student program.


Heidi Pagán

Heidi Pagán, Ph.D.
Research Associate
772-242-2628
hpagan1@e21system.com

Heidi leads research on genomics, including immune function in marine mammals and, more recently, microorganism community structure in environmental samples using eDNA. Heidi is also interested in developing sufficient ‘OMICS’ pipelines for application in remote field settings that streamline sample collection and processing, sequence analysis, and bioinformatics.

 

Tatiana Ferrer

Tatiana Ferrer, M.Sc.
Coordinator of Research Programs
772-242-2628
tferrer2@e21system.com

Tatiana oversees all research activities in the Molecular Ecology Lab and the Ancient DNA Lab. She also conducts research on a wide variety of issues related to marine mammal management and conservation, including genetic mark-recapture studies of beluga whales and polar bears, and investigations of immune function in bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales.

Recent Media Coverage:

FAU Harbor Branch, Life on the Edge

FAU Harbor Branch, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute Conduct Most Extensive Radio-tracking Effort of IRL Bottlenose Dolphins

Dolphins in Indian River Lagoon tracked by Harbor Branch, Hubb-SeaWorld researchers
TCPalm

Male dolphins have a best buddy they rely on for years
WS Buzz

Male dolphins bond with their best bros for life
Earth.com

Researchers use radio-telemetry to track the habitats of bottlenose dolphins
News-Medical.net

Male dolphins are the Chandler and Joey of the animal world: Marine mammals hang out with both male and female friends for fun but have a best buddy they rely on for years
Dailymail.com

Lagoon dolphins, long considered highly social, actually spend most their time alone
VeroNews.com

wip8.e21system.com/newsdesk/articles/beluga-whales.php

www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/culture-guides-belugas-annual-odysseys-across-arctic-180968761/

www.newsweek.com/beluga-whales-value-culture-and-ancestral-roots-much-humans-873878

Additional Information
Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.
Address
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Florida Atlantic University
5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946