Department: SEEMS |
Areas of Interest
- Ecology
- Population genetics
- Conservation
- Optimization of artificial reefs
- Animal behavior
- Acoustic telemetry
Higher-Education
- 2010 Ph.D. Marine Science, The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute
- 2004 M.S. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Florida
- 2001 B.S. Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, The University of Texas at Austin
Research Overview
Our research focuses on marine and coastal animal populations, especially those affected by human activities. We use our understanding of animal behavior, physiology and population structure to measure the effects of habitat changes and the effects of mitigation efforts such as placement of artificial reefs, restoration of wetlands and installation of animal crossings. We conduct research using tools such as acoustic telemetry, sonar, remote imaging, and molecular techniques to assess changes in populations. Focal organisms include fish species of the Gulf of Mexico and Lower Laguna Madre, threatened amphibians native to the Gulf Coastal Plain, and mammals such as the endangered ocelot.
Publications
- Kline, R.J., Holt, G.J., and Khan, I.K. 2016. Arginine Vasotocin V1a2 Receptor and GnRH Co-Localize in preoptic neurons of the Sex Changing Grouper, Epinephelus adscensionis. General and Comparative Endocrinology 225, 33-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.07.013
- Kline, R.J., Parkyn, D.C., and Murie, D.J. 2015. Empirical Modeling of Solid-Blocking Effect in a Blazka Respirometer for Gag, a Large Demersal Reef Fish. Advances in Zoology and Botany 3(5), 193-202.
- Froehlich, C.Y.M., and R.J. Kline. 2015. Using Fish Population Metrics to Compare the Effects of Artificial Reef Density. PloSOne 10(9), e0139444. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0139444
- Kline, R.J. 2014. CCA-sponsored Nearshore Reefs: UT-Brownsville researchers report culverts deployed in 2011 now harbor large populations of red snapper. Currents (CCA Newsletter), 2-3, 8.
- Kline, R.J., Sternberg, M., and Nordlof, S.E. 2014. Preliminary Assessment of Wildlife Monitoring the General Brant Roadway Expansion Near Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge, Cameron County, Texas. Austin, TX: Texas Department of Transportation
Present Courses
- BIOL 4404 - Ichthyology
- BIOL 5404 - Advanced Ichthyology
- BIOL 6101 - Scientific Thinking
- BIOL 6385 - Graduate Research
- BIOL 7300/7301 - Thesis