The research interests of the Shank lab are focussed on understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that structure genetic diversity and function in benthic marine species. The approach is to integrate molecular genetic approaches with studies of the physical, chemical, geological and ecological processes that influence invertebrate populations in disjunct and ephemeral habitats.

We strive to understand the fundamental processes that shape benthic populations and communities, including larval dispersal and settlement, life-history strategies, gene flow, and faunal speciation through projects that focus on invertebrate species living in deep-sea seamounts and chemosynthetic ecosystems intimately tied to planetary processes significant to the evolution of life on earth.
 Tim Shank
Timothy Shank observes a spider crab collected by the DSV Alvin during an Guaymas Basin cruise.

Projects encompass:
chemosynthetic habitats
Chemosynthetic Habitats
  • Population genetics and biogeography of vent fauna
  • Evolution of chemosynthetic fauna
  • Colonization patterns and temporal genetic diversity
 deep-water corals
Deep-Water Corals
  • Population genetics of deep-water scleractinians
  • Ancient coral migrations and climate change
  • Reproduction of deep-water corals
seamounts
Seamounts
  • Biodiversity of seamount fauna (including deep water coral associated fauna)
  • Population genetics and dispersal of seamount invertebrates
  • Endemism and evolution on seamounts
 Tools for deep-submergence and observatory science
Developing Tools for Deep-Submergence and Observatory Science
  • In situ preservation of deep-sea fauna
  • Biological research using autonomous underwater vehicles
  • Synergistic exploration for hydrothermal vents