David Branson

I've been interested in marine biology since watching Jacques Cousteau specials as a kid on Sunday nights. I became a SCUBA diver in 1989. After my undergrad work I got diverted into IT work until 2009 when I decided to return to school and focus on Marine Ecology. I received a M.S. in Aquatic Ecology and Conservation and the went to a Ph.D. program at Auburn University where I participated on two research cruises to Antarctica. I fell in love with Antarctica and when an opportunity to work on the research ships presented itself, I took it. I sailed on the R/V Palmer and R/V Gould as a technician for a couple of years. I came to the Smithsonian Marine Station to continue working to support science. I captain the research and small vessels and work with SMS and visiting researchers in the field. I also travel to other stations providing support and SCUBA expertise.

• Auburn University (2012-2015)
• M.S. Central Michigan University (2013)
• B.S. Northern Michigan University (1997)

Marine Ecology, Marine Resource Management, Population Dynamics, Community Composition, Benthic Invertebrates, Anthropogenic Impacts on Ecosystems

• Janiak, Dean S. and Branson, David. 2024. "A reciprocal transplant approach to predation in fouling communities found in natural and artificial habitats" Marine environmental research 196:Article 106411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106411 2024
• Janiak, Dean S. and Branson, David. 2021. "Impacts of habitat and predation on epifaunal communities from seagrass beds and artificial structures." Marine environmental research 163:Article 105225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105225 2021