• Ph.D. (Biology), 2001, University of California, Santa Barbara
• B.S. (Biology), 1995, Stanford University

My research interests span a broad range of marine ecological questions. I focus primarily on nearshore, intertidal and subtidal rocky macroalgal communities, with an overall goal of understanding the ecological processes that structure these communities. I am am also interested in how these processes may change across different temporal and spatial scales. I believe in employing a suite of different techniques in my research, including theoretical modeling, field and laboratory manipulations, and biogeographical comparisons. One of my current research projects focuses on seaweed-herbivore interactions. Because most seaweeds are saxicolous (grow on rocks), they cannot move to escape herbivory. Instead, seaweeds employ a variety of mechanisms to avoid being consumed. They may be chemically or morphologically defended to deter herbivores; they may be nutrient-poor (and thus less preferable as food source); or they may grow rapidly (faster than they are consumed). Some of my recent research has shown that, for some closely related pairs of algal species, there are significant differences in herbivore preferences. High intertidal herbivores will prefer low intertidal algal species, and vice-versa, which suggests the possible evolution of species-specific herbivore defenses within algae. I am also interested in the population and community level effects of invasive species on natural habitats. Frequently, invasive species may occupy different ecological niches than in their native habitats, which complicates predictions of their impacts in new areas. I have studied the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida as it spread along the California coast and examined the abiotic and biotic factors responsible for its growth (and potential control).

• Thornber, C. and Gaines, S. Population demographics in species with biphasic life cycles. 2004. Ecology. 85:1661-1674.


• Thornber, C., Kinlan, B., Graham, M., and Stachowicz, J. Recruitment, survivorship, and thermal tolerances of populations of the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in California. 2004. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 268:69-80.


• Thornber, C. and Gaines, S. Spatial and temporal variation of haploid-diploid ratios in marine algal populations. 2003. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 258:65-77.


• Blanchette, C., Thornber, C., and Gaines, S. 1999. Effects of wave exposure on intertidal fucoid algae. Fifth California Islands Symposium, Channel Islands Press, Santa Barbara CA.


• Harley, C., Hughes, A.R., Hultrgren, K., Miner, B.G., Sorte, C.J.B., Thornber, C.S., Rodriguez, L.F., Tomanek, L., and Williams, S.L. 2006. The impacts of climate change in coastal marine systems. Ecology Letters. 9:228-241.


• Byrnes, J., Stachowicz, J.J., Hultgren, K.M., Hughes, A.R., Olyarnik, S.V., and Thornber, C.S. 2006. Predator diversity strengthens trophic cascades in kelp forests by modifying herbivore behavior. Ecology Letters. 9: 61-71.


• Thornber, C. S. In press. Functional properties of the isomorphic biphasic algal life cycle. Integrative and Comparative Biology


• Thornber, C.S., Stachowicz, J., and Gaines, S. D. In press. Grazing on different phases of an isomorphic alga: interactive effects life history phase and reproductive status on susceptibility to herbivory. Ecology.

For Lab information, Please visit: http://www.uri.edu/cels/bio/thornber