Timothy Swain

I am a marine ecologist and molecular phylogeneticist who uses the interspecific interactions of invertebrates to examine questions of symbiosis evolution, the evolution of functional form, the role of symbiosis in promoting and maintaining biological diversity, and the effects of climate change on the ecology of symbiotic associations. I use an integrative approach to my research and collaborate with diverse groups of colleagues, students, and professionals ranging from artists to engineers. A significant portion of my research focuses on tropical reef corals (Scleractinia) and zoanthideans (Zoanthidea), and their associated photosynthetic dinoflagellate symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) and invertebrate hosts. While the Scleractinia-Symbiodiniaceae symbioses are predominately found in shallow tropical waters, the Zoanthidea/invertebrate symbioses are global and include at least six invertebrate phyla in most major benthic habitats ranging from intertidal mud flats to the deep-sea.