Biology

Don Young

Professor and Interim Dean (College of Humanities and Sciences)

Research Interests

Coastal Plant Ecology

Physiological Ecology

Background

Donald Young received his Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming in 1982. Professor Young's research has focused on environmental and biotic factors affecting the distribution of barrier island plants, successional processes in coastal environments, invasive species and plant characteristics that facilitate growth and survival in coastal environments. Current investigations are directed toward understanding biotic mechanisms that facilitate the establishment of trees and shrubs in coastal areas that were previously dominated by grasses. In addition, his laboratory is documenting the physiological ecology and ecological effects of the invasive grass, Phragmites australis.