Welcome to the Coastal Community Ecology Lab!
Our group researches the role of biodiversity, species interactions, and human dimensions on coastal ecosystems.
Principle Investigator:
Dr. Stacy Zhang
I am an Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University within the College of Sciences Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
My research interests span basic ecology to social drivers of coastal resource use. I investigate questions related to how global change affects community structure and identify ecological properties/interactions that may enhance restoration outcomes.
My approach to teaching takes a strong experiential education strategy where I employ a diverse array of tools, discussions, and hands-on activities to help students learn both basic and complex scientific and social issues as they relate to ecology and conservation. I am a strong proponent of scientific outreach and communication, and welcome opportunities to discuss science across all settings.
I obtained my PhD in Marine Science and Conservation from Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment in 2019 and a BS in Biology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012. I was also a postdoctoral researcher at the UNC Institute of Marine Science in Morehead City, North Carolina, USA.
Postdoctoral Researchers:
Trevyn Toone, postdoctoral researcher
Trevyn Toone
Trevyn is a marine biologist and postdoctoral researcher broadly interested in harnessing ecological principles to restore coastal ecosystems. He received his BS from Duke University and his Ph.D. from the University of Auckland focusing on the restoration of New Zealand's mussel reefs. Trevyn's current research looks at experimental techniques to improve salt marsh, seagrass, and oyster restoration through the use of secondary foundation species.
Graduate Students:
Lindsay Curl, PhD Student
Savannah Paliotti, MS student
Lindsay Curl
Lindsay is a PhD student broadly interested in restoration, biodiversity, and understanding how humans alter the environment. She received B.S. in Biology from Kansas State University in 2017 and an MS from the University of West Florida focused assessing microplastic contamination in unviable loggerhead sea turtle eggs. She served in Zambia as a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years, is a PADI Scuba Divemaster and has interned with the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation comparing microplastic accumulation in native and invasive sea urchins in Greece.
Savannah Paliotti
Savannah is an MS student broadly interested in incorporating social and ecological ideas to increase coastal resiliency in the face of climate and human-related disturbances. After growing up on a barrier island along the North Carolina coast, she developed a lifelong interest in protecting these marine environments. She graduated from NCSU in 2021 with a B.S. in environmental sciences. Go pack!
Diversity & Inclusion
I am committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment and unequivocally stand against racism and bigotry in society and education. As a woman of color, I have personally experienced the barriers faced by underserved communities in STEM and understand many of the challenges associated with limited representation and socio-economically exclusive practices. I also recognize that in many other ways, my academic path has been privileged, and I am dedicated to learning about the experiences of others, implementing best practices in DEI, and promoting the wellness of systemically marginalized groups.