Dr. Michael Castellini

TBD

About the Speaker

Dr. Michael Castellini earned his PhD in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1981 and joined the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) faculty in 1989. During more than three decades at UAF, he held numerous research and leadership positions, including founding Science Director of the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Director of the Institute of Marine Science, Associate Dean and Dean of the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, and Dean of the UAF Graduate School. He is now a Professor of Marine Biology and Dean Emeritus with the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

Dr. Castellini’s research has focused on how marine mammals have adapted to life in the sea. Since his graduate work in San Diego, he has studied marine mammals around the world, examining the biochemical, physiological, and behavioral adaptations that allow them to undertake deep and long-duration dives, endure extended periods of fasting, exercise in extreme environments, move efficiently through water, and even sleep at sea. His work in Alaska has also explored marine mammal population health, contaminant chemistry, reproductive biology, digestive physiology, and responses to environmental and climate change.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Castellini has conducted research from Alaska to Antarctica and mentored generations of undergraduate and graduate students. He has authored numerous scientific publications and book chapters and has served on local, state, and national panels addressing marine mammals, ecosystem management, and science policy. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a National Associate of the National Academies of Sciences.

Mike has also been a longtime member of the Sitka WhaleFest science team, helping develop the annual symposium program since 1999. Through this work, he has helped identify and invite scientists for the weekend symposium and Scientist in the Schools program, strengthening connections among marine scientists, students, educators, and communities throughout Alaska.