Biology Lecture Series: By Land or By Sea: Ecology in a Foreign (Scot)Land

A) In-Person option: select BEGIN REGISTRATION above. -OR- B) Online option: Register here: ZOOM

Biology has taken me from studying coastal mangrove ecosystems in South Florida to surveying ancient temperate rainforests in the Scottish Highlands. In this talk, I'll share the windy path that connected those two very different worlds and the unconventional experiences that shaped my path toward a career in ecology.

I'll discuss how undergraduate research opened the door to scientific discovery, why I chose to spend two years traveling across the United States after graduation before pursuing graduate school, and what ultimately led me across the Atlantic to the University of Edinburgh. Along the way, I'll introduce my current dissertation research on Scotland's Atlantic temperate rainforests, where I study how herbivore impacts influence communities of rare rainforest lichens, remarkable organisms that serve as important indicators of forest health.

This presentation will focus on the many paths a career in biology can take. I'll share what it's like to conduct ecological fieldwork in Scotland, the realities of graduate school abroad, and the lessons I've learned about embracing uncertainty, seeking opportunities, and following your curiosity. Whether your interests lie on land, beneath the sea, or somewhere above or in between, I hope this talk demonstrates that the path to your goals doesn't have to be a straight line.

About the presenter

Joe Dubner is an MSc student in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity at the University of Edinburgh and an aquarist at Scotland's National Aquarium. He earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Marine Biology from Nova Southeastern University in 2023, where he was also a Razor's Edge Research Scholar. Through RER, he conducted undergraduate research in marine biogeochemistry under Dr. Tyler Cyronak. During his undergraduate studies, Joe served as President of the Nature Club, chaired the Sustainability Club's Climate Change Committee, and was actively involved in science outreach and environmental initiatives.

After graduating, Joe spent two years traveling throughout the United States as a professional petsitter and tutor, an unconventional experience that reinforced his passion for wildlife, conservation, and exploring new environments. In 2025, he moved to Scotland to continue his education at the University of Edinburgh.

His current research focuses on Atlantic temperate rainforests, investigating how herbivore impacts influence epiphytic lichen communities in Scotland's internationally important rainforest ecosystems. Joe hopes to continue to ultimately build a career as a university professor, combining ecological research, teaching, and mentorship. The path there is not a straight line, and it doesn't have to be.