Editor’s note: This is the last of a four-part series profiling the first McCausland Faculty Fellows.
After being named a McCausland Faculty Fellow, Blaine Griffen has made plans to use his $10,000 stipend to continue researching the responses of natural systems to human impacts.
“The fellowship will enable me to continue to focus on my work to understand how humans impact our ocean’s shores and how these impacts influence the species that live there,” Griffen said.
Griffen, a professor in the biology and marine science programs, received a master’s degree in marine resource management from Oregon State University in 2002 and a doctorate from the University of New Hampshire in 2007.
“I was truly honored to be selected for this fellowship,” Griffen said. “It is gratifying to know that my work and my efforts here at USC are recognized.”
Griffen teaches three classes this year at USC: Biology of Marine Organisms, Invertebrate Zoology and Behavior of Marine Organisms. He said he tries to teach real-world application in all three courses.
“We have an excellent group of undergraduate majors in the marine science program. My goal for these students is that they will gain new insights and perspectives from my class,” Griffen said. “My hope is that students come out of my classes better prepared to apply their knowledge to solve real problems.”
The primary goal of Griffen’s research is to improve predictions of how populations and communities will react to future human impact. His work offers insight into the foraging that is central to all ecological communities, as well as fundamental aspects of organisms’ biology and physiology.
Additionally, Griffen’s research addresses areas where his findings can be applied to improve management and conservation efforts. The majority of his work has studies crustaceans.
Educational outreach is also a priority for Griffen, and he spends time at several schools around Columbia. He said he hopes to get students excited about science, help them understand its role in current environmental issues, improve their critical thinking skills and help teachers in incorporate quantitative skills in science curriculum.
Griffen also has a couple of goals for himself for his next few years at USC.
“In my research, my goal is to continue to provide important information that can be used to manage the oceans and their resources, while at the same time continuing to contribute to our basic understanding of natural systems,” Griffen said. “From an educational perspective, I hope to continue to work to build the marine science program to meet the needs of our students.”
Griffen is one of the first four McCausland Faculty Fellows, a program established by a $10 million endowment from Peter McCausland, a 1971 history graduate. He founded of Pennsylvania-based Airgas Inc., the nation’s largest distributor of medical and industrial gases.