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Rochelle Seitz homepage

Rochelle Seitz

Professor

Email: [[seitz]]
Phone: (804) 684-7698
Office: Andrews Hall 331
Section: Natural Resources
Interests: Predator/prey dynamics; nursery habitat and food availability for blue crabs.
Lab Website: {{http://www.vims.edu/research/units/labgroups/community_ecology/index.php, Community Ecology}}

Education
  • B.A., Colgate University
  • M.A., Ph.D., College of William & Mary
Research Interests

My research expertise encompasses three primary areas of focus, including (i) effects of environmental stress, such as shoreline development and hypoxia, upon benthic invertebrate diversity, (ii) predator-prey dynamics and top-down versus bottom-up control of benthic systems, and (iii) restoration ecology. My current research projects continue my emphasis on the three research areas noted above and include the impacts of habitat degradation on faunal communities, restoration of bivalves in the Chesapeake Bay, nursery habitat quality for the blue crab in the Chesapeake Bay, benthic predator-prey relationships, and food-web dynamics. Additional interests include experimental and theoretical population and community ecology of marine benthic and epibenthic organisms focused towards a quantitative understanding of processes operating in estuaries and the coastal ocean.    

Current Projects
  • Economic and environmental feasibility of soft-shell clam aquaculture in Virginia. Funded by Saltonstall-Kennedy - September 1, 2021-August 31, 2023. (PI with Co-PIs A. Scheld, R. Lipcius, M. Congrove, and B. Beal [Univ. of Maine]).
  • Land Restoration, Shoreline Protection and Base Resilience at REPI site Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, VA. Funded by Department of Defense, Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program 2021 & 2022. 9/3/21-9/2/26, (co-PI with PI R. Lipcius and co-PI S. Hardaway and R. Burke [CNU]).
  • Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site: Coastal Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. National Science Foundation. March 2023-March 2026 (PI with co-PI G. Massey).
  • Land Restoration, Shoreline Protection and Base Resilience at REPI site Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, VA. Funded by Department of Defense, Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program/National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.  9/1/20-6/24/22 (co-PI with PI R. Lipcius and co-PI S. Hardaway and R. Burke [CNU]).
  • Living Shoreline Assessment and Oyster Restoration at Naval Installations in Virginia. Funded by US Department of the Navy. 9/29/20-9/28/21, (co-PI with PI R. Lipcius and co-PI S. Hardaway G. Massey, and R. Burke [CNU]).
  • Develop Shovel-Ready Nearshore Habitat Restoration Project Design and Monitoring Plan. Funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Chesapeake Research Consortium. 4/1/20-12/31/20 (co-PI with PI R. Lipcius and co-PI S. Hardaway).
  • Virginia’s Governor’s School Marine Science Apprenticeship.  Funded by Virginia Department of Education. March 2020 - March 2021. (PI).
  • Marine life sampling. Funded by Newport News Shipbuilding. May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2024. (PI).
  • Who eats whom: Predator-prey interactions in an acidified estuary. Funded by NOAA, Virginia Sea Grant. Sept. 2019-Aug. 2020 (Graduate fellow Katherine Longmire). (PI).
  • An ecosystem approach to living shoreline project design – Penniman Spit. Funded by Chesapeake Bay Trust. June 2019 - March 2020. (Co-PI with PI R. Lipcius and co-PI C.S. Hardaway).
  • Monitoring of oyster populations on GROW Oyster tiles vs. Oyster Castles. Funded by Grow Oyster Reefs, LLC. July 2019 to June 2020. Amount: $15,313. (PI).
  • Threshold effects of altered shorelines on forage species: Baywide approach and subestuary approach. Funded by Chesapeake Bay Trust. June 2018 - March 2019. (PI with Co-PI T. Tuckey).
  • Benthic Invertebrate Survey and Analysis of Blue Crab Populations in Virginia Beach Sand Borrow Areas. Funded by City of Virginia Beach. March 21, 2017 to March 1, 2018. (PI).
  • Collaboration with Melanie Bishop (Macqury University) and 11 other PIs from nine different countries examining bivalve recruitment and survival on alternative green-infrastructure substrates. Funded by World Harbour Project. May 2015-April 2016.
  • Quantifying the effect of habitat complexity and location on ecosystem services of restored oyster reefs: Implications for oyster reef restoration (Graduate fellow Melissa Karp). Funded by NOAA, Virginia Sea Grant (1 June 2015- 31 May 2017. (PI).
Selected Publications
  • Flavio, H., R.D. Seitz, D.B. Eggleston, J.C. Svendsen, J.G. Støttrup. 2022. Hard-bottom habitats support commercially important fish species: a systematic review for the North Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea. PeerJ 11: e14681. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14681
  • Longmire, K.A., R.D. Seitz, M. Seebo, R. Brill, and R.N. Lipcius. 2022. Biological responses of a predator, Callinectes sapidus, and its prey, Mercenaria mercenaria, to ocean acidification and low salinity. Marine Ecology Progress Series 701: 67-81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14198
  • Longmire, K.A., R.D. Seitz, A. Smith, and R.N. Lipcius. 2021. Saved by the shell: oyster reefs can shield juvenile blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus. Marine Ecology Progress Series 672: 163–173. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13781
  • Strain, E., P. Steinberg, M. Vozzo, E. Johnston, M. Abbiati, M. Aguilera, L. Airoldi, D. Aguirre, G. Ashton, M. Bernardi, P. Brooks, B. Chan, S. Chee, R. Coutinhosa, T. Crowe, A. Davey, L. Firth, C. Fraser, M. Hanley, S. Hawkins, K. Knick, E. Lau, K. Leung, C. McKenzie, C. MacLeod, S. Mafanya, F. Mancuso, L. Messano, T. Ng, K.  O'Shaughnessy, P. Pattrick, M. Perkins, S. Perkol-Finkel, F. Porri, D. Ross, G. Ruiz, I. Sella, R. Seitz, R. Shirazi, M. Thiel, R. Thompson, J. Yee, C. Zabin, and M. Bishop. 2020. A global analysis of complexity-biodiversity relationships on marine artificial structures. Global Ecology and Biogeography 30(1): 140-153. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13202
  • Glaspie, C.N., R.D. Seitz, and R.N. Lipcius. 2020. Are predator-prey model predictions supported by empirical data? Evidence for storm-driven shift to alternative stable state in crab-clam system. Marine Ecology Progress Series 645: 83–90. Archived at https://doi.org/10.1101/224097.
  • Valdor, P.F., A. Gómez, P. Steinberg, E. Tanner, A. Knights, R.D. Seitz, L. Airoldi, L. Firth, C. Arvanitidis, M. Ponti, E. Chatzinikolaou, P.R. Brooks, T.P. Crowe, A. Smith2, G. Méndez, A. Ovejero, A. Soares-Gomes, J.A. Burt, C. MacLeod, and J.A. Juanez. 2020. A global approach to mapping the environmental risk of commercial harbours on aquatic systems. Marine Policy 119: 1040165. https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1bEs9,714McruS
  • Seitz, R.D., S. Aguilera, M.A. Wood, and R.N. Lipcius. 2019. Production and vertical distribution on riprap shorelines in Chesapeake Bay: a novel rocky intertidal habitat. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 228: 106357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2019.106357
  • Pfirrmann, B.W., R.D. Seitz. 2019. Ecosystem services of restored oyster reefs in a Chesapeake Bay tributary: abundance and foraging of estuarine fishes. Marine Ecology Progress Series 628: 155–169. (open access)  https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13097
  • Valdor, P.F., A.G. Gómez, C. Kerléguer, P. Steinberg, E. Tanner, L. Airoldi, C. Arvanitidis, P. Brooks, J. Burt, E. Chatzinikolaou, L. Firth, S. Grace, A. Knights, C. MacLeod, G. Méndez, A. Ovejero, M. Ponti, S. Scyphers, R.D. Seitz, A. Smith2, A. Soares, J.A. Juanes. 2019. A global atlas of the environmental risk of marinas on water quality. Marine Pollution Bulletin 149:110661.
  • Glaspie, C.N., R.D. Seitz, M.B. Ogburn, A.H. Hines, and C. Dungan. 2018. Impacts of habitat, predators, recruitment, disease, and the environment on density of soft-shell clam Mya arenaria and stout razor clam Tagelus plebeius in the Chesapeake Bay. Marine Ecology Progress Series 603: 117-133.  https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12706
  • Seitz, R.D., and C. Ewers Lewis. 2018. Loss of seagrass results in changes to benthic infaunal community structure and decreased secondary production. Bulletin of Marine Science 94(4): 1273-1292. https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2017.1011
  • Glaspie, C.N., S.R. Jenkinson, and R.D. Seitz. 2018. Effects of acid sulfate soil acidification on a foundation oyster species and its associated community in NSW, Australia. Journal of Shellfish Research 37(1): 63-72.  https://doi.org/10.2983/035.037.0105
  • Karp, M.A., R.D. Seitz, and M.C. Fabrizio. 2018. Faunal communities on restored oyster reefs: the effects of habitat complexity and environmental conditions. Marine Ecology Progress Series 590: 35–51. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12470
  • Seitz, R.D., K.E. Knick, T.M. Davenport, and G.S. Saluta. 2017. Human influence at the coast: Upland and shoreline stressors affect coastal macrofauna and are mediated by salinity. Estuaries and Coasts. Online https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-017-0347-6
  • Prosser, D.J., T.E. Jordan, J.L. Nagel, R.D. Seitz, D.E. Weller, and D.F. Whigham. 2017. Impacts of coastal land use and shoreline armoring on estuarine ecosystems: an introduction to a special issue. Estuaries and Coasts. Online https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-017-0331-1
  • Davenport, T.M., R.D. Seitz, K.E. Knick, and N. Jackson. 2017. Living shorelines support nearshore benthic communities in upper and lower Chesapeake Bay. Online, Estuaries and Coasts. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-017-0361-8
  • Glaspie, C.N., and R.D. Seitz. 2017. Role of habitat and predators in maintaining functional diversity of estuarine bivalves. Marine Ecology Progress Series 570:113-125. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12103
  • Kornis, M.S., D. Breitburg, R. Balouskus1, D.M. Bilkovic, L.A. Davias, S. Giordano, K. Heggie, A.H. Hines, J.M. Jacobs, T.E. Jordan, R.S. King, C.J. Patrick, R.D. Seitz, H. Soulen, T.E. Targett, D.E. Weller, D.F. Whigham, and J. Uphoff, Jr. 2017. Linking the abundance of estuarine fish and mobile shellfish to shoreline hardening and land cover. Estuaries and Coasts 40: 1464-1486. doi: 10.1007/s12237-017-0213-6)
  • Lovall (formerly Bradley), C.D., R.D. Seitz, and K.E. Knick. 2017. Benthic communities and trophic structure at altered shorelines in a depauperate estuary. Bulletin of Marine Science 93(3): 715–741. https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2016.1076
  • Glaspie, C.N. , K.S. Longmire, and R.D. Seitz. 2017. Acidification alters predator-prey interactions of blue crab Callinectes sapidus and soft-shell clam Mya arenaria. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 489: 58-65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2016.11.010
  • Seitz, R.D., R.N. Lipcius, and A.H. Hines. 2016. Consumer versus resource control and the importance of habitat heterogeneity for marine bivalves. Oikos. doi: 10.1111/oik.03330
  • Glaspie, C.N. , and R.D. Seitz. 2016. Multiple stressors influence mud crab Scylla serrata predation on Sydney rock oysters Saccostrea glomerata. Marine and Freshwater Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/MF15350
  • Lipcius, R.N., R.P. Burke, D.N. McCulloch, S.J. Schreiber, D.M. Schulte, R.D. Seitz, and J. Shen. 2015. Overcoming restoration paradigms: value of the historical record and metapopulation dynamics in native oyster restoration. Frontiers in Marine Science 2: article 65. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2015.00065
  • Hernandez Cordero, A.L.1, R.D. Seitz. 2014. Structured habitat provides a refuge from blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, predation for the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians concentricus (Say 1822). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 460:100-108. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2014.06.012.
  • Long, W.C1, R.D. Seitz, B.J. Brylawski1, R.N. Lipcius. 2014. Individual, Population, and Ecosystem Effects of Hypoxia on a Dominant Benthic Bivalve in Chesapeake Bay. Ecological Monographs 84(2): 303-327. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/13-0440.1.
  • Lawless, A.S.1, R.D. Seitz. 2014. Effects of shoreline stabilization and environmental variables on benthic infaunal communities in the Lynnhaven River system of Chesapeake Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 457: 41-50. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2014.03.010.
  • Seitz, R.D. 2014. Value of Coastal Habitats for Exploited Species - Introduction to a theme set of articles. ICES Journal of Marine Science 71(3), 636–637. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fst180
  • Seitz, R.D., H. Wennhage , U. Bergström, R.N. Lipcius, and T. Ysebaert. 2013. Published online Oct 14, 2013. Ecological value of coastal habitats for commercially and ecologically important species. ICES Journal of Marine Science 71(3): 648-665. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fst152.
 
  • Sturdivant, S.K., R. D. Seitz, and R.J. Diaz. 2013. Effects of seasonal hypoxia on macrobenthic production and function in the Rappahannock River, VA, USA.Marine Ecology Progress Series 490: 53–68.
  • Ralph, Gina M., R.D. Seitz, R.J. Orth, K.E. Knick, and R.N. Lipcius. 2013. Broad-scale association between seagrass cover and juvenile blue crab density in Chesapeake Bay.Marine Ecology Progress Series 488: 51-63.
  • Hernandez Cordero, A.L., R.D. Seitz, R.N. Lipcius, C.M. Bovery, D.M. Schulte. 2012. Habitat Affects Survival of Translocated Bay Scallops, Argopecten irradians concentricus (Say 1822), in Lower Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries and Coasts 35:1340–1345.
  • Seitz, R.D. 2011. Gradient effects on structuring of soft-bottom infauna: Macoma balthica and predation, recruitment and food availability.Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology: 409: 114–122.
  • Seitz, R.D., K.E. Knick, M. Westphal. 2011. Diet Selectivity of Juvenile Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus) in Chesapeake Bay. Integrative and Comparative Biology 51(4): 598-607.
  • Seitz, R.D., D.M. Dauer, R.J. Llansó, and W.C. Long. 2009.Broad scale effects of hypoxia on benthic community structure in Chesapeake Bay, USA. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology381: S4-S12, doi:10.1016/j/jembe.2009.07.004.
  • Long, W. C., and R.D. Seitz. 2009. Worsening effects of hypoxia on macrobenthic community structure in Chesapeake Bay tributaries.  Estuaries and Coasts 32: 287–297, doi: 10.1007/s12237-009-9132-5.
  • Seitz, R.D., R.N. Lipcius, K.E. Knick, M.S. Seebo, W.C. Long, B.J. Brylawski, and A. Smith.  2008. Stock Enhancement and Ecosystem Carrying Capacity in Blue Crab Nursery Habitats of Chesapeake Bay. Reviews in Fisheries Science 16: 329-337.
  • Seitz, R.D., and A. Lawless. 2008.  Landscape-level impacts of shoreline development upon Chesapeake Bay benthos and their predators. Pp. 63-70 In Erdle, S.Y., J.L. Davis, and K.G. Sellner (Eds): Management Policy, Science and Engineering of Nonstructural Erosion Control in the Chesapeake Bay: Proceedings of the 2006 Living Shoreline Summit. CRC Publ. 08-164, CRC Press, 152 pp.
  • Long, W.C., and  R.D. Seitz. 2008. Trophic interactions under stress: hypoxia enhances foraging in an estuarine food web.Marine Ecology Progress Series 362: 59-68.
  • Long, W.C., B.J. Brylawski, and R.D. Seitz. 2008.  Behavioral effects of low dissolved oxygen on the bivalve Macoma balthica.  Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 359: 34-39.
  • Lipcius, R.N., D.B. Eggleston, S.J. Schreiber, R.D. Seitz, J. Shen, M. Sisson, W.T. Stockhausen, and H.V. Wang.  2008.   Metapopulation connectivity and stock enhancement of marine species.Reviews in Fisheries Science16: 101-110.
  • Zohar, Y., A. H. Hines, O. Zmora, , E. G. Johnson, R. N. Lipcius, R. D. Seitz, D. B. Eggleston, A. R. Place, E. Schott , J. Stubblefield, and J. S. Chung. 2008. The Chesapeake Bay blue crab (Callinectes sapidus): A multidisciplinary approach to responsible stock replenishment. Reviews in Fisheries Science 16: 24–34.
  • Long, W.C., E. Bromage, R.D. Seitz, S. Kaattari.  2008. Quantifying fecundity in Macoma balthica using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).  Aquatic Biology 3: 187-193.
  • Seitz, R.D., R.N. Lipcius, N.H. Olmstead, M.S. Seebo, and D.M. Lambert.  2006. Influence of shallow-water habitats and shoreline development upon abundance, biomass, and diversity of Chesapeake Bay Benthos and their predators.  Marine Ecology Progress Series 326: 11-26. (see article)
  • Lipcius, R.N., D.B. Eggleston, K.L. Heck, Jr., R.D. Seitz, and J. van Montfrans.  2007.  Post-settlement abundance, survival, and growth of postlarvae and young juvenile blue crabs in nursery habitats.  Chapter 13, pp. 535-565 In Kennedy, V.S., L.E. Cronin (Eds.) Biology and Management of the Blue Crab.  University of Maryland Press, 800 pp.(see article)
  • Schreiber, S.J., R.N. Lipcius, R.D. Seitz, and W.C. Long.  2006.  Dancing between the devil and the deep blue sea: the stabilizing effect of enemy-free sinks and victimless sinks.  Oikos 113: 67-81. (see article)
  • Seitz, R.D., R.N. Lipcius, M.S. Seebo. 2005. Food availability and growth of the blue crab in seagrass and unvegetated nurseries of Chesapeake Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 319: 57-68. (see article)
  • Seitz, R.D. 2005. Introduction to the proceedings of the 2003 Blue Crab Symposium: Genetics, ecology, and conservation of the blue crab. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 319: 1-2. (see article)
  • Lipcius, R.N., R.D. Seitz, M.S. Seebo and D. Colón-Carrión. 2005. Density, abundance and survival of the blue crab in seagrass and unstructured salt marsh nurseries of Chesapeake Bay.Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 319: 69-80.
  • Seitz, R.D., L.S. Marshall, A.H. Hines, and K.L. Clark. 2003a. Effects of hypoxia on the Baltic clam (Macoma balthica) and predation by the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Chesapeake Bay.Marine Ecology Progress Series 257: 179-188.
  • Van Dover, C.L., P. Aharon, J.M. Bernhard, M. Doerries, W. Flickinger, W. Gilhooly, K. Knick, S. Macko, S. Rapoport, C. Ruppel, J. Salerno, R.D. Seitz, B.K. Sen Gupta, T. Shank, M. Turnipseed, R. Vrijenhoek, E. Watkins. 2003. Blake Ridge methane seeps: Characterization of a soft-sediment, chemosynthetically based ecosystem. Deep Sea Research I 50: 281-300.
  • Seitz, R.D., R.N. Lipcius, W.T. Stockhausen, K.A. Delano, M.S. Seebo, and P.D. Gerdes. 2003b. Potential bottom-up control of blue crab distribution at various spatial scales.Bulletin of Marine Science 72 (2): 471-490.
  • Lipcius, R.N., W.T. Stockhausen, R. D. Seitz, and P. Geer. 2003. Spatial dynamics of the blue crab spawning stock in a protected sanctuary-corridor in Chesapeake Bay.Bulletin of Marine Science 72 (2): 453-469.
  • Seitz, R.D., R.N. Lipcius, A.H. Hines, and D.B. Eggleston. 2001. Density-dependent predation, habitat type, and the persistence of marine bivalve prey.Ecology 82 (9): 2435-2451.
  • Seitz, R.D., and R.N. Lipcius. 2001. Variation in top-down and bottom-up control of marine bivalves at differing spatial scales.ICES Journal of Marine Science, 58: 689-699.
  • Seitz, R.D., R.N. Lipcius, W.T. Stockhausen, and M.M. Montane. 2001. Efficacy of blue crab spawning sanctuaries in Chesapeake Bay. Spatial Processes and Management of Marine Populations. Kruse, Bez, Booth, Dorn, Hills, Lipcius, Pelletier, Roy, Smith, and Witherell (Eds). University of Alaska Sea Grant, AK-SG-00-04, Fairbanks, pp. 607-626.
  • Lipcius, R.N., R.D. Seitz, W.J. Goldsborough, M.M. Montane, and W.T. Stockhausen. 2001. A marine dispersal corridor: deep-water migration pathway for adult female blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay. Spatial Processes and Management of Marine Populations. Kruse, Bez, Booth, Dorn, Hills, Lipcius, Pelletier, Roy, Smith, and Witherell (Eds). University of Alaska Sea Grant, AK-SG-00-04, Fairbanks, pp. 643-666.
  • Seitz, R.D. 1998. Incorporation of soft-sediment systems into models of marine benthic community regulation.Marine and Freshwater Research 49: 817-826.
  • Seitz, R.D., and L.C. Schaffner. 1995. Population dynamics and secondary production of the polychaete Loimia medusa (Savigny). Marine Biology 121: 701-711.
  • Libelo, E.L., W.G. MacIntyre, R.D. Seitz, and L.F. Libelo. 1994. Cycling of water through the sediment-water interface by passive ventilation of relict biological structures. Marine Geology 120: 1-12.
Current Students

Major Advisor

  • M.S.: Natalia Schoenberg – School of Marine Science, William & Mary – Entered fall 2021. Thesis topic: Growth and survival of outplanted soft-shell clams
  • M.S.: Jainita Patel – School of Marine Science, William & Mary – Entered fall 2020. Thesis topic: Impact of Substrate Type on Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Recruitment and Benthic Community Structure and Productivity in the York River

Student Committees

  • PhD: Katherine (Annie) Schatz – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Biological Sciences), William & Mary – Entered fall 2017
  • PhD: Alexandra Schneider – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), William & Mary – Entered fall 2019
  • PhD: Christina Rarick - School of Marine Science (Dept. of Biological Sciences), William & Mary – Entered fall 2019
  • PhD: David Schulte – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), William & Mary – Entered fall 2012
  • M.S.: Lauren Alvaro – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Biological Sciences), William & Mary – Entered fall 2020
Past Students

Major Advisor:

  • M.S.: Katherine Longmire - School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary, Master’s Candidate – Graduated December 2020. Thesis topic: Predator-prey interactions under ocean acidification.
  • M.S.: Shantelle (Richards) Landry - School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary, Master’s Candidate – Graduated May 2021. Thesis topic: Recruitment and Post-Settlement Mortality of the Soft-shell Clam, Mya arenaria.
  • M.S.: Melissa Karp – School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary, Master’s Candidate – Entered fall 2013, graduated August 2016. Thesis topic: The effect of habitat complexity and location on ecosystem services provided by restored oyster reefs: Implications for oyster reef restoration.
  • M.S.: Bruce Pfirrmann – School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary, Master’s Candidate – Entered fall 2014, graduated August 2017
  • Ph.D.: Cassandra Glaspie - School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary –Entered fall 2010, graduated May 2016. Dissertation topic: Marine benthic predator-prey interactions and global change. Current position: Assistant professor, Louisiana State University.
  • M.S.: Theresa Davenport – School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary –Entered fall 2009, graduated December 2012. Thesis topic: Consequences of shoreline development for near-shore benthic communities in Chesapeake Bay, USA: a temporal and trophic approach. Current Position: Doctoral Student at Northeastern University.
  • Ph.D.: Samuel K. (Kersey) Sturdivant (co-advisor with Bob Diaz) – School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary –Entered fall 2006, graduated May 2011.  Received Hall-Bonner Fellowship and Best student Poster Award at 2009 ASLO meeting. Dissertation topic: The effects of hypoxia on macrobenthic production and function in the lower Rappahannock River, Chesapeake Bay, USA.  Current position: McCurdy Post-Doctoral Scholar, Duke University Marine Lab.
  • Ph.D.: Bryce J. Brylawski – School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary –Entered fall 2003, graduated December 2008.  Dissertation topic: Cultural eutrophication and the clam Macoma balthica: Evidence for trophic disruption and effects on blue crabs.Current position: Assistant Professor, Albright College.
  • Ph.D.: William Christopher Long – School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary – Entered fall 2002, graduated September 2007. Received EPA GRO Fellowship in 2005. Dissertation topic: Hypoxia and Macoma balthica: Ecological effects on a key benthic infaunal species. Current position: Research Ecologist/Research Fishery Biologist NOAA, NMFS.
  • M.S.: Cassie Bradley – School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary –Entered fall 2008, graduated May 2011. Thesis topic: The Impacts of Shoreline Development on Shallow-water Benthic Communities in the Patuxent River, MD.Current Position: Seasonal Research Assistant, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI
  • M.S.: Ana Liza Hernandez Cordero – School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary –Entered fall 2007, graduated May 2010. Thesis topic: Exploring the Potential for Bay Scallop, Argopecten irradians concentricus, Restoration in the Lynnhaven River Sub-estuary of Chesapeake Bay. Current Position: Regional Resource Coordinator, NOAA Assessment & Restoration Division, St Petersburg, FL
  • M.S.: Amanda Lawless – School of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary –Entered fall 2005, graduated June 2008. Received Kelly Watson Fellowship 2006 and Hunter B. Andrews, Jr., Fellowship 2007.  Master's thesis topic: Effects of Shoreline Development and Oyster Reef Placement on Benthos, Oysters, and Predators in Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia. Current Position: Research Assistant, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Center for Systematic Biology and Evolution, Philadelphia.

Undergraduates and Other Interns

  • Sara Vahdatshoar, Temple University, REU intern 2022 (“Comparison of biodiversity on bare sediment and artificial oyster substrates in the York River”)
  • Amanda Pysher, Old Dominion University, REU intern 2021 (“Assessment of Oyster Castles and Grow Tiles on Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) recruitment and size”)
  • Emily Suchonic, Western Carolina University, REU intern 2020 (“Density and size of eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, on two alternative substrate types”)
  • Chanté Lively, Nova Southeastern University, REU intern 2019 (“Salinity and pH effects on blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, cuticle layer structure”)
  • Teresa Lin, New York University, REU intern 2018 (“Effects of Size on the Predator-Prey Dynamic of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and hard-shell clam (Mercenaria mercenaria)
  • Jennifer Gonzalez, Messiah College, REU intern 2017 (“Effects of Tile Habitat Complexity on Species Richness, Abundance, and Survival of Crassostrea virginica”)
  • Cynthia Harris, Syracuse University, REU intern 2016 (“Enhancing Epibenthic Communities using Artificial Substrates in the Chesapeake Bay”)
  • Katherine Longmire, College of Charleston, REU intern 2015 (“The effects of ocean acidification on predator-prey interactions between Mya arenaria and Callinectes sapidus”)
  • Julia Carroll, Williams College, REU intern 2014 ("Comparison of Epifaunal Communities on Natural Oyster Shell and Alternative Substrates in the Chesapeake Bay").
  • Nina Jackson, Humbolt State University, REU intern 2013 ("A Before and After Control Impact Survey of a Living Shoreline in Lynnhaven Bay").
  • Jessica Braunstein, Lee University, REU intern 2012 (“Effect of shoreline type on crab and fish species: abundance, size distribution, and juvenile blue crab survival”).
  • Heather Richardson, The College of William & Mary, REU intern 2011 (“Impacts of shoreline development on bivalve communities in Timberneck Creek, VA”). Current position: 
Naturalist, Outdoor Education at Arrowhead Ranch
  • Elizabeth Gomez, Brown University, REU intern 2010 (“Effects of shoreline development and upland usage on multiple trophic levels in Chesapeake Bay”). Current position: 
Consultant, EA Engineering Science & Technology Consultants, Inc.
  • Stacy Aguilera – Stanford University, REU summer intern 2009 (Secondary Production on Subtidal and Intertidal Rip-Rap Shoreline Structures Along the Patuxent and Lynnhaven Rivers”). Current position: 
PhD candidate, University of Miami. 
  • Caitlin Bovery  - College of William & Mary, REU summer intern 2008 (Bay Scallop Restoration in the Lynnhaven River System). Current position: MS Candidate in Environmental Sciences, Florida Atlantic University 
  • Kristin (Mahalak) de Nesnera – Honors thesis advisee and REU summer intern 2007 (“Effectiveness of Gracilaria sp. as structured nursery habitat for juvenile blue crabs in mud coves”). Graduated The College of William & Mary Biology Department with BS, May 2008. Current position: Ph.D. Candidate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Miranda Westphal, NSF REU intern (" Diet of the Juvenile Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus, in Shallow-water Nurseries in Response to Large-scale Variations in Benthic Communities"), and Rachel Clark, VIMS Governor’s School intern ("Optimal habitats in which to release juvenile crabs: Crab and clam comparisons"), Summer 2006
  • Francisco Soto-Santiago, NSF REU Intern, and Ian Keane-Babcock, VIMS Governor's School Intern, Summer 2004, Effects of predation and food availability on blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, enhancement
  • Andrea Barber, NSF REU Intern, Summer 2003, Bivalve populations and carrying capacity of coves enhanced with juvenile blue crabs
  • Mary Cassie Stoddard, VIMS Governor's School Intern, Summer 2003, Assessment of Littoraria irrorata populations subject to varying predation levels
  • Theresa Haynes, NSF REU Intern, and Stephanie Gera, VIMS Governor's School Intern Summer 2002, Effects of shoreline development on the benthic community and its predators
  • Jill Fox, NSF REU intern, Summer 2001, Habitat-specific differences in abundance and condition of Macoma balthica in the York River
  • Katy Dannenberg, VIMS Governor's School Intern, Summer 2001, Effects of burial depth on predation of clams in various habitats
  • Bethany Devoy, NSF REU intern, Summer 2001, The intrusion of hypoxia into the Chesapeake Bay MPAC and its effect on blue crab distribution
  • Cassandra Brooks, NSF REU Intern, Summer 2000, Immigration and emigration of Macoma balthica in sand and mud habitats in the York River
  • Melissa Barger, VIMS Governor's School Intern, Summer 2000, Density-dependent predation and survival of Macoma balthica
  • Julianne Rowehl, NSF REU Intern, Summer 1999
  • Kathleen Van Eron, VIMS Governor's School Student, Summer 1999
  • Melanie Culin, NSF REU Intern, Summer 1998
  • Steven Hudgins, NSF REU Intern, Summer 1994
  • Elenor Eyster, VIMS Governor's School Intern, Summer 1994

Student Committees

  • PhD: Megan Wood – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), William & Mary – Entered fall 2010, graduated August 2017. Thesis topic: Juvenile blue crab (Callinectes Sapidus) response to altered nursery habitat.
  • S.: Kristen Bachand – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), William & Mary – Entered fall 2016, graduated summer 2019. Thesis topic: Satellites, seagrass, and blue crabs: Understanding inter-annual fluctuations and linkages in the York River.
  • S.: Bethany Williams – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Biological Sciences), William & Mary – Entered fall 2016, graduated spring 2018. The role of ecological interactions in salt marsh geomorphic processes.
  • S.: Amanda Bromilow – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), William & Mary – Entered fall 2014, graduated August 2017. Thesis topic: Juvenile Blue Crab Survival in Nursery Habitats: Predator Identification and Predation Impacts in Chesapeake Bay.
  • S.: Erika Schmitt - School of Marine Science (Dept. of Biological Sciences), William & Mary – Entered fall 2011, graduated May 2015. Bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, restoration in the Virginia Coastal Bays: The role of predation on spring vs. fall cohort survival
  • Ph.D.: Allison Colden - School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), The College of William & Mary – Entered fall 2009. Dissertation topic: Restored Oyster Reef Characteristics Affecting Reef Persistence and Performance in Chesapeake Bay.
  • M.S.:  Justin Falls (VIMS, Entered Fall 2004), Thesis topic: The survival benefit of benthic macroalgae Gracilaria vermiculophylla as an Alternative Nursery Habitat for Juvenile Blue Crabs.
  • M.S.: Megan Wood – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Sciences), The College of William & Mary – Entered fall 2010.
  • M.S.: Richard Balouskus – University of Delaware (Major Advisor Tim Targett) – Entered fall 2008, graduation anticipated December 2012.
  • Ph.D.: Diane Tulipani. School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), The College of William & Mary, Graduated August 2013. Dissertation topic: Ecological role and conservation of the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) in Chesapeake Bay. Current position:  Adjunct instructor, Biology at Rappahannock Community College, Glenns, VA, and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
  • Ph.D.: Noelle Relles - School of Marine Science (Dept. of Biological Sciences), The College of William & Mary – Entered fall 2007, graduated May 2012. Dissertation topic: Coral reef cover on the islands of Bonaire and Curacao.  Current position: Adjunct Lecturer at the State University of New York at Cortland and the State University of New York at Onondaga Community College.
  • Ph.D.: Russell Burke - School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), The College of William & Mary – Entered fall 2003, graduated May 2010. Dissertation topic: Alternative Substrates as a Native Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Reef Restoration Strategy in Chesapeake Bay.  Current Position: Lecturer, Christopher Newport University.
  • M.S.: Lara (Gates) Kling - School of Marine Science (Dept. of Biological Sciences), The College of William & Mary – Entered fall 2009, graduated May 2012. Thesis topic: Habitat utilization and trophic interactions by fauna in a shallow estuary: Comparisons between clam aquaculture and natural sites.  Current Position: Blue Sky Fund, Director of Academic Programs.
  • M.S.: Justin Falls – School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), The College of William & Mary – Entered fall 2004, graduated December 2008. Thesis topic: The survival benefit of benthic macroalgae Gracilaria vermiculophylla as an alternative nursery habitat for juvenile blue crabs.  Current Position: Naturalist at the Croydon Creek Nature Center in Rockville, Maryland.
  • M.S. Kristin Erickson – Biology Department, The College of William & Mary – Entered fall 2005, graduated May 2007. Thesis topic: Inactive Sulfide Mounds of the Manus Basin: Invertebrate composition and potential for a chemoautotrophic food web.
  • M.S.: Elizabeth Blake – Biology Department, The College of William & Mary – Graduated May 2006.
  • M.S.: Andrea Maniscalco -- School of Marine Science (Dept. of Environmental, Aquatic and Animal Health), The College of William & Mary – Graduated August 2005. Thesis topic: Comparative pathology of the eyes of decapod hosts infected by microbial agents
  • M.S.: Jennifer Dryer – Biology Department, College of William & Mary – Graduated May 2004. Thesis topic: Dynamics at hydrothermal vents: evidence for stable macrofaunal communities in mussel beds on the northern East Pacific Rise.
  • M.S.: Kristen Delano -- School of Marine Science (Dept. of Fisheries Science), College of William & Mary – Graduated December 2003. Thesis topic: Growth and fecundity of the baltic clam Macoma balthica in a source-sink system
  • M.S.: Kathleen Knick -- Biology Department, College of William & Mary – Graduated May 2003. Thesis topic: Comparison of mussel-bed fauna at the Blake Ridge and Florida Escarpment seeps.
Courses
  • ANTH 602 (11): Biological Anthropology (contributing lecturer)
  • MSCI 698 (08): Effects of multiple stressors on benthic communities (sole instructor)
  • MSCI 698 (06): Human Impacts on Ecosystem Services: Habitat Degradation.
  • MSCI 653: Marine Benthos
  • MSCI 502: Coastal and Estuarine Processes, Issues and Investigations
  • MSCI 501:  Fundamentals of Marine Science (Coordinating Teaching Assistant and Contributing Lecturer)
  • MSCI 526:  Introduction to Biological Oceanography (Teaching Assistant and Contributing Lecturer)
  • MSCI 653:  Marine Benthos (Contributing lecturer)
  • MSCI 664:  Conservation Biology (Contributing lecturer)
  • MSCI 667:  Experimental and Quantitative Ecology (Contributing lecturer) 
  • Oceanography (Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA)
  • Physiology of Marine Organisms (Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA)
  • Invertebrate Zoology (Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA)
  • Organismal Biology (Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA)
Honors and Awards
  • 2021: W&M Office of Diversity & Inclusion: Diversity Recognition Award.
  • 2019: Advisee Bruce Pfirrmann received Best Student Paper Award, M.S. – for publication: Pfirrmann, B.W., R.D. Seitz. 2019. Ecosystem services of restored oyster reefs in a Chesapeake Bay tributary: abundance and foraging of estuarine fishes. Marine Ecology Progress Series 628: 155–169. (open access)  https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13097
  • 2018: VIMS Diversity and Inclusion Award, William & Mary, School of Marine Science.
  • 2019-present: Contributing Editor/Editorial Board – Marine Ecology Progress Series.
  • 2017- present: Associate Editor/Editorial Board – Frontiers in Marine Science, “Marine Conservation and Sustainability” specialty section.
  • 2017: Advisee Melissa Karp received Best Student Paper Award, M.S. – for publication: Karp, M., Seitz, R.D., Fabrizio, M.C. 2017. Faunal communities on restored oyster reefs: effects of habitat complexity and environmental conditions. Marine Ecology Progress Series 590: 35-51.
  • 2015-2019: Review Editor– Marine Ecology Progress Series.
  • 2014-2017: Review Editor – Frontiers in Marine Science, “Marine Conservation and Sustainability” specialty section.
  • 2015-present: Co-Chair (2015-2018) or member, ICES working group on Value of Coastal Habitats for Exploited Species.
  • 2015: Advisee Cassandra Glaspie received the Zeigler Student Achievement Award, Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
  • 2014: Advisee W. Chris Long received Best Student Paper Award, Ph.D. – for publication: Long, W.C., Seitz, R.D., Brylawski B.J., Lipcius R.N. 2014. Individual, population, and ecosystem effects of hypoxia on a dominant benthic bivalve in Chesapeake Bay. Ecological Monographs 84(2): 303-327.
  • 2009-2015: Editorial Board/Review Editor – ICES Journal of Marine Science.
  • 2009-present: Editorial Board/Review Editor – ICES Journal of Marine Science
  • 2009:  Coastal America Partnership Award, Executive Office of the President, United States Government, for the Lynnhaven Oyster Recovery Team
  • 2009: Advisee S. Kersey Sturdivant received best student poster award at the meeting of the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, Nice, France, February
  • 2001- present:  Research Associate.  Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater MD.
  • 2003-4: Guest Editor – Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology.
  • 2001:  Research Associate.  Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater MD
  • 1999:  Smithsonian Postdoctoral Fellowship.  Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater MD
  • 1999: ICES Young Scientist.  Participant in International Conference on Marine Ecosystem Perspectives.   Gilleleje, Denmark, 20-24 November, 1999
  • 1995: American Predoctoral Fellowship.  American Association of University Women (one year stipend)
  • 1993: Dean's Award for Advancement of Women in Marine Science. The College of William & Mary, School of Marine Science
Professional Memberships
  • Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, member 1989-1999, and 2004-present
  • American Fisheries Society, member 2012-present
  • Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, member 2011
  • 1998-2003, Member, Ecological Society of America
  • 1989-1999, Member, American Society of Limnology and Oceanography
Collaborative Efforts
  • Denise Breitburg, Anson Hines, and Tom Jordan, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
  • Thomas Miller, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
  • Linda Schaffner and Mark Luckenbach, College of William & Mary
  • Dan Dauer, Old Dominion University
  • Cindy Lee Van Dover, Duke University