Overview
Dr. Kirby-Smith's research interests in marine ecology are broadly based. In the past, his research projects have involved studies of community ecology in aquatic systems extending from the interface between rivers and estuaries to the edge of the continental shelf. His current research interests are in applied ecology, especially the restoration of aquatic systems (e.g. marshes, agricultural ditches, storm water drainage systems) at the freshwater/saltwater interface and in the ecology of fecal coliform bacteria as they impact management of shellfish resources. He has a number of collaborative projects with the NC State University Agricultural Extension Service and with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill focused upon improving estuarine water quality. Although not an active part of his current research, he maintains an interest in the basic biology of suspension feeding invertebrates.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of the Practice Emeritus of Marine Ecology
·
2008 - Present
Marine Science and Conservation,
Nicholas School of the Environment
Recent Publications
Bacterial contamination associated with estuarine shoreline development
Journal Article Journal of Applied Microbiology · 2005 CiteImportance of water quality to nekton habitat use in a North Carolina branch estuary
Journal Article Estuaries · 2003 CiteNekton variations in tributaries along a hydrologically modified North Carolina estuary
Journal Article Estuaries · 2001 CiteRecent Grants
The Arcadia Cruise: Assessing long-term changes in tropical reef-coral distribution along the Atlantic Continental Margin, southeastern United States
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · 2005 - 2006NSF Graduate Teaching Fellows Program of the Duke University Marine Laboratory
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEFaculty Associate · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2002 - 2005Dissertation Research: The Roles of Heterotrophic Nitrogen and Autotropic Carbon in Amino Acid Synthesis by Reef Corals
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 1999 - 2001View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Duke University ·
1970
Ph.D.