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Daniel Rittschof

Norman L. Christensen Distinguished Professor of Environmental Sciences
Marine Science and Conservation
135 Duke Marine Lab Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516

Overview


My day to day research focus is ecology with emphasis on larval biology, chemical, behavioral, spatial ecology and environmental toxicology. Theoretical contributions are in the origins and evolution of chemical systems. Presently, there are three areas of focus: 1) Ecology and behavioral biology of local macroinvertebrates such as blue crabs and mud snails; 2) Barnacle models as they relate to fouling and the prevention of fouling and bioadhesives; 3. Impacts of xenobiotics on behavior and reproduction. I and my students are funded in all three areas with grants to work on a variety of aspects of ecology and reproduction of blue crabs, grants to study families of barnacles with heritable biological adhesive phenotypes and to provide expertise in barnacle biology and to provide living material for the Office of Naval Research Fouling Research program and funding to study impacts of biocide boosters on reproduction and fecundity of target and non target species. I am continuing to participate in an antifouling program in Singapore which began January 2000. The Singapore program has the goal of using drugs from medicine as environmentally benign antifoulants. I have recently begun collaborative research programs in India and Brazil.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Norman L. Christensen Distinguished Professor of Environmental Sciences · 2017 - Present Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment
Professor, Marine Science and Conservation · 2006 - Present Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment
Professor of Biology · 2006 - Present Biology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Affiliate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2014 - Present Duke Science & Society, Initiatives

Education, Training & Certifications


University of Michigan, Ann Arbor · 1975 Ph.D.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor · 1970 M.S.