Dr. Patrick Baker, Research Assistant Professor
Invertebrate Zoology/Malacology
7922 NW 71st Street
PO Box 110600
Gainesville, FL 32653
Patrick Baker studies the biology and ecology of marine and freshwater invertebrates, concentrating on bivalve molluscs. In the past, he has conducted research on oyster larval and juvenile biology in Chesapeake Bay, including behavioral studies on larvae settling from the plankton to the benthos. In addition, he has studied the ecology of endangered native freshwater mussels in Minnesota.
In Florida, Dr. Baker is interested in the ecology of Gulf and Atlantic coast oyster reefs, and the biology and ecology of ark shells. In addition Dr. Baker is currently conducting research on a small oyster native to the Pacific coast, where recent geological changes and human impacts have resulted in a complex pattern of population invasion and extinction in the past few thousand years. With Dr. Bowen, also in this department, Dr. Baker is conducting molecular genetic research to try to trace the origin and patterns of these oyster populations.
Degrees:
PhD Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, The College of William and Mary, 1994
MS Biology, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, 1988
BS Biology, Seattle Pacific University, 1986