Dr. Amanda E. Kahn Visiting Assistant Professor B.S. Biology & Marine Science, University of Tampa, 2002 M.S. Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2004 Ph.D. Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2008 Research Associate UNCW Center for Marine Science Aquatic Ecology Lab, 2009 Office: 3/2226 Phone: 904-620-1953 Email: a.kahn@unf.ed

My research focuses mainly on seagrass physiological ecology. I have worked in Tampa Bay, the Florida Keys, Florida Bay, the southern Everglades, and the Indian River Lagoon. I examined various seagrass species and their responses to changes in salinity, nutrients and optical quality of the water column and desiccation. I am also interested in applying similar research techniques to corals, especially in regards to their responses to changing optical properties. Much of my recent work examined the effect of CDOM (chromophoric dissolved organic matter) on optical properties as it gives the water ‘color’ and prevents UV from penetrating very far into the water column. Much CDOM is transported with terrestrial waters and so it is important to examine in areas where river waters are flushing into marine coastal waters as these waters not only carry CDOM, but various concentrations of nutrients (mostly from run-off) and freshwater (changing the salinity). All of these factors have an impact on the physiological response of marine photosynthetic organisms. I have spent a lot of time doing research for myself and others in the field (which I love) including cruises in the Keys/ Dry Tortugas, a summer performing surveys in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and a summer performing benthic surveys of the Indian River Lagoon from Sebastian down to St. Lucie. I also enjoy teaching and bringing the ‘real life’ science experience and current events to the classroom. Previous courses/labs I have instructed include Marine Biology, Ecology, Plant Physiology, Cell Biology and Biodiversity.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

Kahn, A.E., Durako, M.J. 2009. Wavelength-specific photosynthetic responses of Halophila johnsonii from marine-influenced versus river-influenced habitats. Aquatic Botany. 91:245-249.

Kahn, A.E., Durako, M.J. 2009. Photosynthetic tolerances to desiccation of the co-occurring seagrasses Halophila johnsonii and Halophila decipiens. Aquatic Botany. 90: 195-198.

Kahn, A.E., Durako, M.J. 2008. Photophysiological responses of Halophila johnsonii to experimental hyposaline and hyper-CDOM conditions. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 367: 230-235.

Kahn, A.E., Durako, M.J. 2006. Thalassia testudinum seedling responses to changes in salinity and nitrogen levels. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 335:1-12.

Kahn, A.E., Durako M.J. 2005 The effect of salinity and ammonium on seed germination in Ruppia maritima from Florida Bay. Bulletin of Marine Science. 77: 453-458.

CO-AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS:

Kowalczuk, P., Durako, M.J., Young, H. Kahn, A.E., Cooper, W.J., Gonsior, M. 2009. Characterization of dissolved organic matter fluorescence in the South Atlantic Bight with use of PARAFAC model: Interannual variability. Marine Chemistry. 113:182-196.

Gonsior, M., Peake, B.M., Cooper, W.J., Young, H., Kahn, A.E., Kowalczuk, P. 2008. Spectral characterization of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in a fjord (Doubtful Sound, New Zealand). Aquatic Sciences- Research Across Boundaries. 70: 1015-1621.