Dr. Theresa Dabruzzi

Ecological Physiologist

As a comparative ecological physiologist my research program examines physiological adaptations of animal groups living in marginal environments that are exposed to extreme abiotic conditions. Many of these animals exist at conditions very near their lethal limits and are thought to be the most vulnerable to environmental disturbances and global changes. I have worked the last ten years conducting research within the Wakatobi Marine Preserve in the Banda Sea, southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia examining the physiological adaptations of animals living in some of the most extreme of habitats found anywhere on Earth.

Working in Indonesia has allowed me to examine novel physiological traits of animal models, such as air-breathing fishes, salt-tolerant frogs, and amphibious sea kraits, most of which have been little studied. The goal of my research is to gain insight into adaptive physiological traits of animals by recognizing and describing how a trait works, and identifying the ecological and evolutionary pressures that have shaped adaptation in the group. The study of ecological physiology quantifies the limits of a given adaptation and can be used to develop conservation and management strategies in vulnerable areas.