Graduate Degree Programs
M.S., M.P.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Ecology
Chemical ecologists study organismal interactions, both intra- and interspecific, mediated by chemical substances. These interactions occur among microbes, plants, and animals.
Study of such interactions typically involves joint efforts of biologists and chemists in basic and applied research in the laboratory and field. The application of chemical ecology has contributed significantly to reduced pesticide use and improved yields in forestry and agriculture while protecting the environment from harmful contaminants.
The study of chemical ecology is offered through collaboration between the Department of Environmental Biology and the Department of Chemistry. Interested students should apply to the department of major interest. Faculty from both areas contribute to the development of a plan of study enabling each student to acquire advanced skills in either biology or chemistry and an ample understanding of the other field to grapple with problems requiring an understanding of both.
Participating Faculty
- Gregory L. Boyer; glboyer@esf.edu
biochemistry and environmental chemistry, plant and algal biochemistry, chemical ecology and toxins produced by algae. environmental monitoring, including Buoy and ship-based monitoring systems for water quality - Jose L. Giner; jlginer@syr.edu
organic and natural products chemistry, sterol synthesis, natural products - Hyatt Green; hgreen@esf.edu
molecular microbial ecology, eDNA, microbial water quality, microbial source-tracking, SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, forest soil nitrification, Hg-methylation - Mark A. Teece; mteece@esf.edu
environmental chemistry, food web biochemistry, stable isotope biogeochemistry, coral, stable isotopes, metabolomics, biogeochemistry - Nicholas C. Pflug; ncpflug@esf.edu
pheromone chemistry, chemical ecology, organic synthesis