Visiting Assistant Professor

Department of Biology

B.S. Villanova University 1997
M.S. Drexel University 2003
Ph.D. Drexel University 2007

Office: Science Village Admin., room 132
Phone: (407) 646-2452
E-Mail: bfranks@rollins.edu

Courses Taught:

• Ecology
• The Biosphere
• Introduction to Marine Science (Spring 2012)
• The Biology of Fishes (Spring 2012)

Professional Interests:
My teaching interests include all biological sciences with a specific focus on the marine systems and conservation/biodiversity.  My general research interests include the physiological ecology and spatial ecology of marine organisms.  More specifically, I am interested in the behavior and space use of fish in marine ecosystems and the tradeoffs they face during their daily activities.  The major questions that drive my research include: what biotic and abiotic factors influence the movements and behavior of sharks; how do sharks utilize nursery habitat; and what are the tradeoffs these animals experience based on local conditions within their nursery areas.  I also have an interest in the ecology of reptiles and have conducted research on snakes in New Jersey, desert tortoises in California, and leatherback turtles in Costa Rica.

Selected Publications:

Guttridge T.L., S.H. Gruber, B.R. Franks, S.T. Kessel, K.S. Gledhill, J. Uphill, J. Krause, and D.W. Sims. 2011. Deep danger: Intra-specific predation risk influences habitat use and aggregation formation of juvenile lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris.  Marine Ecology Progress Series. In Review.