Studying Global Change in the Oceans
What we do:
Research in the Rotjan lab focuses on marine ecology and global change. The main goal is to examine how marine species, communities, and ecosystems respond to the complex multitude of stressors emerging in the contemporary world ocean, and how they will respond to the future ocean change that we expect in the coming decades. In other words, we take a multi-level and systems ecology approach to examining global change. We are also big fans of ocean exploration, which is critical and necessary to set and calibrate ecological baselines. We are a part of a growing global movement to democratize the oceans, making marine science and exploration accessible and available to all.
We apply our science and exploration to conservation. Our simple credo is to help make the world a better place.
Our lab is interested in two complementary dimensions of contemporary marine ecology: (1) ecological response to changing ocean dynamics, and (2) opportunities for human-mediated action via conservation, restoration, and/or management. To learn more, click through our research pages, publications, news, members, etc.
Please note: As of September 2025, the Rotjan Lab has moved to the Tufts University Department of Biology. We are actively recruiting!
Please note: both Boston University and Tufts students are able to seamlessly take courses at the opposite institution via the Boston Area Consortia cross registration program. This applies to undergraduate and graduate students! This is a wonderful way to leverage the best of both schools, especially as we are in the process of transition. More information on the consortia can be found here for BU students and Tufts students.