Peebles named coastal systems director

Ernst Peebles, an associate professor at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science, has been hired by the Louisiana-based Water Institute of the Gulf for the position of director of coastal systems ecology.

“With his wealth of experience on projects that span the Gulf region, I can’t think of anyone more qualified to lead our coastal systems ecology efforts than Ernst,” said Chip Groat, CEO and president of The Water Institute of the Gulf.

Peebles’ research focuses on how coastal organisms respond to human-induced system changes.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies from Tulane University. He earned a master’s and doctorate in marine science from the University of South Florida.

The Water Institute of the Gulf formed in 2011 as a not-for-profit, independent research institute with a goal of working with numerous partners, including universities to improve the understanding of coastal and delta systems.