ALAN VERDE

Assistant Professor of Marine Biology BS, MS - Walla Walla College; PhD - Florida Institute of  Technology alan.verde@mma.edu Left: One of Dr. Verde's research subjects, the sea cucumber Pearsonothuria.graeffei (foreground)

          "My primary research interests integrate the cellular and biochemical physiology, photobiology, ecology and behavior of marine cnidarians (corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones) and their algal photosymbionts.  I utilize both cellular and molecular techniques to elucidate the communicative interactions between the algal symbionts and host anemone (Anthopleura elegantissima), both in the adult and larval stages.  I have also investigated the carbon-specific daily photosynthetic, respiratory, and growth rates of the algae and animal respiratory rates in both tropical jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) and temperate anemones (A. elegantissima).  These carbon budget studies can be used to analyze the effects of environmental change on ecologically important temperate and tropical cnidarian communities and have direct implications for the coral reef systems.  Other current research projects involve a collaborative relationship with other scientists (Dr. James Nestler) on the ecology and metabolism of sea cucumbers in both tropical (Holothuria edulis, Pearsonothuria graeffei) and in temperate (Parastichopus californicus) environments.  Other projects with Drs. Ann Cleveland and Raymond Lee involve the use of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to elucidate the nutritional contribution of several clownfish species (Amphiprion clarkii and A. perideraion) to their tropical anemone hosts (Heteractis crispa) and algal symbionts or the reverse process: from the algae to the fish.  All of these projects involve working closely with both graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory and field environment."