Patrick M. Erwin
Professor
Education
Ph.D. in Biology (Microbial Ecology), University of Alabama at Birmingham
M.Sc. in Biology (Molecular Phylogenetics), University of Alabama at Birmingham
MBA in Business (Marine Biotechnology), University of North Carolina Wilmington
B.Sc. in Biology, University of Richmond
Specialization in Teaching
BIO 291 - Introductory Resarch
BIO 330 - Microbiology
BIO 411 - The Human Microbiome
BIO 491 - Directed Individual Study
BIO 495 - Microbes & Mental Health: The Gut-Brain Axis
BIO 498 - Internships
BIO 499 - Honors Work in Biology
BIO 526 - Advanced Topics in Microbiology: Earth's Microbiome
BIO 591 - Directed Independent Study (MS)
BIO 598 - Research (MS)
BIO 599 - Thesis
BIO 604 - Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIO 691 - Directed Independent Study (PhD)
BIO 698 - Research (PhD)
BIO 699 - Dissertation
BIOL 330 - Microbiology Laboratory
HON 399 - Preparation for Honors Thesis
Research Interests
• Primary research interests are microbial ecology and environmental microbiology, with particular focus on the structure, function and dynamics of microbial symbionts in marine animals and their contributions to ocean health.
• Long-term goals include applying marine animal-microbe symbiosis to environmental monitoring programs and utilizing these data to forecast species susceptibility and ecosystem change.
• Secondary research interests include marine invertebrate life cycles, larval behavior of reef-building corals and the economic valuation of marine ecosystem resources for conservation initiatives.
Honors & Awards
HONORS
2024 - New Species Named After Me (Clavelina erwinorum)
Recognizing by UNCW Graduates for Making a Difference in Their Lives (every semester since Spring 2014)
AWARDS
2025 - Outstanding Honors Mentor Award
2023 - Research Collaboration Award
2021 - James F. Merritt Million Dollar Club
2021 - Research Productivity Award, Most Publications in College
NOMINATIONS (not awarded)
2025 - Distinguished Teaching Professorship Award
2024 - CSE Teaching Excellence Award
2019 - Chancellors Teach Award