Kimberly Heiman
Senior Lecturer
New Science Building 002
484-664-3965
[email protected]
Education
B. A. Biology, New College of the University of South Florida (now New College of Florida)
Ph.D. Biological Sciences, Stanford University
Postdoctoral research, Marine Biology and Ocean Resource Management, Oregon State University
Courses Taught
Concepts in Biology: Crisis Earth (BIO 111)
BIO 160
Local Sustainability (SUS 365)
Conservation Biology (BIO 466)
Concepts of Biology: Degradation and Restoration (BIO 127) - Clustered with ATH 264
Changing Seas (BIO 183) – Clustered with PSC 285
Research Interests
My graduate and post-doctoral research focused on how human activities interact with and alter the biological world. I primarily studied human impacts on marine and estuarine habitats, as well as how to better manage the marine resources our society depends upon (such as fish stocks, healthy beaches, and clean water). Specifically, I explored the interaction between invasive species and other human disturbances such as habitat alteration, examining how these interactions can increase invasive species distributions and impacts within estuaries. I also worked on applying ecosystem approaches to the management of ocean resources. While I no longer actively pursue primary scientific research, I adamantly believe that science must inform management and policy decisions. To further this belief, I sit on many boards and volunteer for many organizations connecting science with local policy, education, and land management issues. At Muhlenberg, I teach many community engaged courses which allow students to see how the material they are learning informs solutions to local issues. My goal as an educator is for my students to leave Muhlenberg as engaged citizens able to contribute solutions to the big scientific and environmental challenges of our time.
Selected Publications
Heiman, K. W. and F. Micheli. 2010. Non-native Ecosystem Engineer Alters Estuarine Communities. Integrative and Comparitive Biology 50 (2): 226- 236.
Heiman, K. W., Vidargas, N. and F. Micheli. 2008. Non-native habitat as a home for non-native species: Comparing communities associated with invasive tubeworm and native oyster reefs. Aquatic Biology 2: 47-56.
Stevenson, C., Katz L., Micheli, F., Block, B., Heiman, K. W., Weng, K., Perle, C., Dunbar, R., 2007. Apex predator depletion on coral reefs. Coral Reefs 26: 47-51.
Ruesink, J., Lenihan, H. S., Trimble A., Heiman, K. W., Micheli F., Byers J. E. Kay, M. C. 2005.Introduction of non-native oysters: ecosystem effects and restoration implications.Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics. 36: 643-698.
