Robert M. Woollacott
Professor of Biology
Curator of Marine Invertebrates in the Museum of Comparative Zoology
Phone: 617-495-1755
E-mail:
Office: 527 MCZLabs, 26 Oxford St
Lab Website:
Marine Biology with an emphasis in fouling organisms and introduced species in the marine environment. In this context, understanding the biology of dispersal stages such as larvae has important significance. Representative study areas include the synchronization of reproductive output with environmental cues, larval dispersal, induction and events of metamorphosis, and the impact of variations in larval life on post metamorphic success. Studies of invertebrates such as bryozoans and sponges are emphasized.
Publications
2012 Goodbody-Gringley, G., R.M. Woollacott, G. Giribet. Phylogeography and connectivity of the scleractinean coral Montastraea cavernosa (Linneaus, 1767) in the Western Atlantic. Marine Ecology 33: 32-48.
2011 Sears, M.A.B. and R.M. Woollacott. Reverend William F. Lynch: A life in science and education. pp. 99-122. In: Annals of Bryozoology 3: aspects of the history of research on bryozoans. Wyse Jackson, P. and M. Spencer Jones (eds). International Bryozoology Association, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. pp. 234
2010 Johnson, C.H. and R.M. Woollacott. Larval settlement preference maximizes genetic mixing in an inbreeding population of a simultaneous hermaphrodite (Bugula stoloniferea Bryozoa). Molecular Ecology 19: 5511-5520.
2010 Goodbody-Gringley, G.S., V.S. Volmer, R.M. Woollacott and G. Giribet. Limited gene flow in the brooding coral Favia fragum (Esper, 1897). Marine Biology 157: 2591-2601.
2009 Winston, J.E. and R.M. Woollacott. Scientific results of the Hassler expedition. Bryozoa. No. 1. Barbados. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 159: 239-300.
2008 Winston, J.E. and R.M. Woollacott. Redescription and revision of some red pigmented species of Bugula. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 159: 179-212.
2008 Sears, M.A.B. and R.M. Woollacott. Alice Robertson: educator and marine zoologist. pp. 305-345. In: Wyse Jackson, P. and M. Spencer Jones (eds). Annals of Bryozoology 2: aspects of the history of research on bryozoans. International Bryozoology Association, Dublin, pp. viii+422.
2008 Pakes, M.J. and R.M. Woollacott. Reproduction of the gorgonian Plexaura flexuosa in Bermuda. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 357: 121-127
Courses Taught
SLS-22. Human Influences on Life in the Sea (with J.J. McCarthy)
OEB 234. Topics in Marine Biology
OEB 325. Marine Biology
