Dr. Michael Kemp is a Professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Laboratory. He is a systems ecologist whose areas of research include primary production and nutrient cycling; trophic structure and ecosystem energetics; and seagrass ecology. His research interests include:

• Coastal marine ecology: ecosystem production; nutrient cycling; physical-biological coupling; global patterns; and benthic-pelagic interactions
• Ecosystem analysis: numerical models; comparative assessment; and scaling relations
• Seagrass ecology: light and nutrient relations; food-web interactions; and plant-sediment physiology-biogeochemistry
• Sediment nitrogen cycling: nitrification-denitrification; ammonification; and N-interactions with plants and macrofauna

The Chesapeake Bay estuary and watershed provides locally based field work opportunities and is the primary backdrop for Michael's research. However, with the spread of eutrophication and hypoxia (also known as dead zones) in estuaries throughout the world, Michael's work has regional, national and global relevance. This is reflected in his extensive work with coastal managers and on international committees.

"I'm an ecologist. Everything is connected to everything."

Much of Michael's work looks at the interactions between humans and the coastal environment – telling the story of ecosystems. Making the step to outreach is thus a natural extension of his research interests. Having participated in many community outreach activities throughout his career, when COSEE Coastal Trends arrived, it was a natural fit for him to get involved. And being able to provide career-building opportunities for his graduate students through COSEE became a highly valued benefit. As someone who is involved in science to solve problems, Michael's ability to combine his research with outreach has far-reaching implications.