Biological conservation — Fisheries biology — Population dynamics
Christine K. Barton Professor of Biology
B.A., University of Vermont; M.S., Ph.D., Oregon State University
859-238-5322 chris.barton@centre.edu
Areas of expertise include genetics, evolutionary biology, aquatic ecology, and human anatomy and physiology. Research interests focus on predatory-prey interactions in aquatic systems. Committed to working closely with area schools to improve science education at the pre-college level.
Biology of vertebrates — Fishes: ecology, physiology, aquarium keeping, habitat — Spanish mission system in North America
Michael Barton H.W. Stodghill Jr. and Adele H. Stodghill Professor of Biology
B.A., University of California; M.A., California State University; Ph.D., Oregon State University
859-238-5320 mike.barton@centre.edu
Special expertise on fish and their habitat. Involved in on-going research on speciation of fish in the Bahamas; has investigated the Bahamian crested goby and pupfish. Recipient of a grant to study the effects of fish predators and predation in Kentucky's North Rolling Fork and Green Rivers. Personal interest in the history of the Spanish mission system of colonial California, including a consideration of cultural, ecological and environmental issues.
Anne E. Lubbers Associate Professor of Biology
B.S., University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; Ph.D., Duke University
859-238-5321 lubbers@centre.edu
A plant ecologist with expertise on factors affecting seed production. Articles published in the American Journal of Botany. Regularly involves her Centre students in collaborative research. One recent project focused on a plant, the eastern eulophus, that has reached threatened status in Kentucky; Lubbers and her students documented the few sites in central Kentucky where the plant grows and began the process of studying how soil conditions, sunlight and pollination affect the plant's ability to produce seed. Interested in invasive plants and teaches one biannual course on ecological invasions and one on plant-herbivore interactions.
Marine ecology and behavioral ecology — Reef-associated organisms — Integration of science and humanities through marine field studies
Paul C. Sikkel Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
B.S., University of California-San Diego; M.S., Ph.D., Oregon State University
859-238-5298 paul.sikkel@centre.edu
Current research focuses on reproductive ecology, diel activity patterns, and host-parasite-cleaner interactions on coral reefs, and how climate-induced changes in the reef environment influence these activities. Sikkel has involved undergraduates in coral reef research and taught field courses in marine ecology for the past 15 years. Sikkel's research has appeared in professional journals such as Animal Behavior, Behavioral Ecology, and Marine Ecology Progress Series. His work has also appeared in popular outlets such as Natural History and National Geographic magazines, the award-winning film Seasons in the Sea, and the television series National Geographic: Wild Chronicles.
