Education
Director of Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
B.S., University of Rochester; Ph.D., Boston University
Research Interests
“My research interests include marine ecology and conservation, especially the conservation of marine fisheries and the effect of global warming and climate change on marine populations. Current research projects in my lab include determining whether a marine reserve in Belize is effectively conserving queen conch populations and using computer modeling to study the long-term effects of global warming and overfishing on marine species. I am also collaborating with Dr. Rich Kliman on a project studying the conservation genetics of queen conch. “
Career Highlights
After completing his doctoral dissertation on octopus behavioral ecology, John Cigliano, Ph.D. became interested in marine conservation issues and has been working on marine conservation ever since. His current research is on queen conch conservation ecology, the effectiveness of a marine reserve in Belize on conserving queen conch populations, and the conservation genetics of queen conch (in collaboration with Rich Kliman, Ph.D.), as well as studying the long-term effects global warming and overfishing on marine species.
John Cigliano, Ph.D. is also an active member of the Society for Conservation Biology and is on the board of governors of the Society’s Marine Section. He has chaired and been on the organizing committee of the International Marine Conservation Congress, a major meeting for marine conservation researchers and practitioners. He is also committed to conservation education and is part of the American Museum of Natural History’s Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners. John Cigliano, Ph.D. has a special interest in providing students with international field experience and has taught field courses in the Amazon rainforest and on the coral reefs of the Caribbean.
Memberships
John Cigliano, Ph.D. is a member of the Society for Conservation Biology.
Courses Taught
Marine Ecology, Marine Field Ecology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Genetics, & Evolution, Living Learning Community in Environmental Stewardship Animal Behavior
Why Cedar Crest College
“I chose to teach at Cedar Crest because of its commitment to the liberal arts and the strong tradition of undergraduate research in the Department of Biological Sciences. I am equally excited about the College’s commitment to women’s leadership and global connectivity.”
Advice
“My advice is for students to take advantage of all the great academic and co-curricular activities and opportunities that are provide here. College is a time for intellectual and emotional growth. And there is no better place for young women to do this than at Cedar Crest College. And while it’s very important to work hard and be serious in their studies, students should not forget to also have fun.”
Inspiration
“Passionate students who have a desire to learn. And seeing these students develop into self-confident, capable leaders and scientists.”
Becoming a Teacher
“When I began teaching as a graduate student. I knew right away that I loved teaching and wanted to teach at the college level.”