Marine mammal scientist named SFOS associate dean

 

Marine mammal scientist named SFOS associate dean

Submitted by Doug Schneider
Phone: 907-474-7449

08/16/05

Alaska marine mammal researcher Michael Castellini has been named associate dean of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

"I’ve had a wonderful time at UAF doing research and training the next generation of marine scientists,"? said Castellini. "I’m excited to now have the opportunity to help chart the School’s future."?

As the SFOS Associate Dean, Castellini will be responsible to Dean Denis Wiesenburg for the School’s academic and research programs.

Castellini received his Ph.D. in 1981 from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Prior to joining UAF in 1989, Castellini held research positions at Scripps, the University of British Columbia, the University of California San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz.

Castellini’s teaching and research career at UAF has focused on investigations into the health of marine mammal populations, harbor seal and Steller sea lion physiology and population declines, and Antarctic seal diving physiology. In his 16 years at UAF, Castellini has given hundred of lectures, published numerous articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and mentored dozens of students.

From 1995 to 1999, Castellini served as Science Director at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, helping to build the fledgling institution into a world-class marine research facility.

In 2002, Castellini was appointed Director of the UAF Institute of Marine Science, a unit within SFOS that conducts marine science and oceanography from Southeast Alaska to the Arctic Ocean. Castellini will remain acting IMS Director until an interim director is named.

The UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences was formed in 1987 to unify and strengthen University of Alaska programs in fisheries, marine mammal, seabird, and ocean sciences. The School’s 60 faculty and 140 graduate students are engaged in research in Alaska waters and throughout the world.

Today, the School’s budget includes $16 million in state and federal research on coastal and marine resources. Dean Wiesenburg said Castellini’s appointment comes as SFOS is trying to grow its statewide programs of research, education, and outreach amid tight state and federal budgets.

"Mike has done an outstanding job in everything he has undertaken at UAF,"? said Wiesenburg. "His administrative strengths will be a tremendous help to our expanding research and academic programs."?

The School’s plans for growth include hiring additional teaching and research faculty as well as improving the university’s ability to conduct research on fisheries, marine mammals and oceanography. SFOS anticipates operating the first university-based ice-capable research ship, slated for funding by the National Science Foundation in 2007. The $82 million vessel will specialize in Arctic oceanographic research.

The UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, research, and public service concerning marine and freshwater ecosystems, and to fostering the sustainable use of marine resources for the benefit of Alaska, the nation, and the world. SFOS supports faculty at the Juneau Fisheries Center, the Fishery Industrial Technology Center in Kodiak, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the Seward Marine Center, and the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program at nine locations around Alaska.

SFOS news release

Contact: Dr. Michael Castellini, Associate Dean
School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Phone: 907-474-6825
Email: mikec@ims.uaf.edu
Visit his online profile.