Russel Andrews Research Assistant Professor

Specialty

• marine mammals, sea turtles, diving behavior, diving physiology, foraging ecology, energetics, remote monitoring equipment and instrumentation

Education

• A.I.T 1982 U.S. Armed Forces School of Music
• B.S. 1990 University of California Los Angeles (Biology)
• Ph.D. 1999 University of British Columbia (Zoology)

Research Overview

One of the unifying themes of my research interests is: How and why do air-breathing vertebrates dive beneath the surface of the ocean? Some of my specific research interests are:

• The physiological mechanisms that enable certain vertebrates to hold their breath for extended periods of time on a repetitive basis.


• The diversity of such functions amongst various marine vertebrates and how physiological constraints have been a factor in the evolution of marine trophic niches.


• How animals can respond, physiologically and behaviorally, to changes in their environment, such as reductions in prey availability or changes in ambient temperature.


• The development of new instruments for remotely monitoring the behavior and physiology of marine vertebrates and the environment in which they live.

These interests and my concern for animals have led me to also be interested in the conservation biology of threatened and endangered marine organisms and their habitats.

Current Research Projects

• Innovations in remotely monitoring Steller sea lions and their predators

Links

• Steller Sea Lions Say Ahhh for Science
  A feature from the Alaska Sea Grant Arctic Science Journeys, about Dr. Russ Andrews' work on the foraging ecology of Steller sea lions.
• Elephant Seal Slumber
  A feature from the Alaska Sea Grant Arctic Science Journeys, about Dr. Russ Andrews' work on the diving physiology of elephant seals.
• Alaska SeaLife Center

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Modified 29 August 2008. Questions or comments to web coordinator.
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