Dr. Larry E. Brand

Professor of Marine Biology and Fisheries, University of Miami

My basic interest is in the interaction of ecological and evolutionary processes in marine phytoplankton. I am interested in how fast and to what extent phytoplankton populations and species are able to adapt to their local environments and the relative roles of environmental selection and phylogenetic constraints in influencing the evolution of various adaptations. Over a hundred species isolated from different areas of the ocean, representing all the major phylogenetic groups of algae, are maintained in the laboratory. Most of my research has focused on adaptations to trace nutrients and light intensity, quality and timing. Other research interests include studies on the population genetics of phytoplankton, biotechnological potential of algae, nutritional quality of different phytoplankton species as food for animals used in mariculture, and field studies on environmental quality.