J. Evan Ward

Professor and Head of Marine Sciences

Department of Marine Sciences

Expertise: interactions between marine animals and their environment, behavior and physiology of benthic invertebrates, particularly commercially important bivalves

I am an experimental biologist whose research interests are directed toward an understanding of the dynamic interactions between marine animals and their environment. Using an integrative approach, my students and I study processes ranging from the organism to ecosystem level. We are particularly interested in the behavior and physiology of benthic, particle-feeding invertebrates. Much of our research focuses on commercially important bivalves (e.g., clams, mussels, oysters), which are key components of most coastal ecosystems. These animals provide vital ecosystem services and are an important link between oceans and human health

Education

  • Ph.D.   Marine Biology/Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Graduate College of Marine Studies, Newark, Delaware (December, 1989, Mentor: Dr. N.M. Targett)
  • M.S.    Marine Biology/Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Graduate College of Marine Studies, Newark, Delaware (June, 1985, Mentor: Dr. M.R. Carriker)
  • B.S.     Marine Science/Biology, Stockton State College, Pomona, New Jersey (June, 1981).

Academic & Research Positions:

  • Professor, University of Connecticut, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Marine Sciences, Groton, Connecticut, August 2009-present.
  • Fulbright Visiting Professor, University of Exeter, Department of Biosciences, Exeter, United Kingdom, August 2011 – January 2012.
  • Associate Professor, University of Connecticut, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Marine Sciences, Groton, Connecticut, August 2003-2009.
  • Fulbright Visiting Professor, University of Panama, Department of Marine Science and Limnology, Republic of Panama, July 2004 – January 2005.
  • Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Marine Sciences, Groton, Connecticut, August 1997 – 2003.
  • Assistant Professor, Salisbury State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Environmental Marine Studies Program, Salisbury, Maryland,  1994 – 1997.
Evan Ward