Photo of the beach in Port Aransas, Texas

Press Release - December 15, 2005

Tracy Villareal Receives Research Prize

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Dr. Tracy Villareal has been awarded the Darbaker Prize for 2005 by the Botanical Society of America. This award recognizes excellence in phycological research over a two-year period. The Darbaker Price Committee selected Dr. Villareal because of his work on the physiological ecology of phytoplankton. The award carries with it a monetary prize of $1000 and an award certificate.

Dr. Villareal is Associate Professor of Marine Science and Research Associate Professor at the UT Marine Science Institute. His research interests focus on understanding the processes and interactions that structure phytoplankton communities. His primary research work is on harmful algal species (particularly ciguatera-causing dinoflagellates and red tides) and the autecology of oceanic diatom species. Dr. Villareal's research activities employ both field and laboratory studies to understand phytoplankton community responses.

For more information about Dr. Villareal and his research, go to www.utmsi.utexas.edu/staff/villareal.htm.

Created: Thursday December 15, 2005