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Education

1990 University of New Hampshire, B.S.
1996 University of Hawaii at Manoa, Ph.D.

Courses Taught

Marine Botany
Biology of Plants
Biological Unity
Biological Diversity
Senior Seminar
Special Topics in BiologyÌý

Career Specialties

Kevin S. Beach is a marine botanist and ecophysiologist specializing in:

• Macroalgal ecology and physiology, with a focus on reef and mangrove ecosystems
• Photobiology and photosynthetic performance in tropical marine macroalgae
• Algal-coral interactions, including allelopathy and reef community dynamics
• Environmental stress responses of marine plants, particularly desiccation and light limitation
• Undergraduate research mentorship, with strong emphasis on field-based marine science

His expertise bridges fundamental plant science with applied coastal ecosystem research, emphasizing macroalgal productivity, niche partitioning, and restoration ecology.

Professional and Community Activities

Beach has served the University of Tampa for over 25 years in numerous academic leadership roles, including:

• Dana Professor of Biology (2019â€Ëð°ù±ð²õ±ð²Ô³Ù)
• Chair of the Department of Biology (2012–2015, 2020–present)
• Associate Dean for the Baccalaureate Experience (2005-2010)

He is a seasoned educator, having taught over 20 unique biology and marine science courses, including Marine Botany, Coral Reefs, Ecophysiology, and Biology of Plants.

He is deeply involved in curriculum development, outcomes assessment, and experiential learning initiatives. His service includes multiple elected university-wide committees and leadership on faculty development, assessment, and digital teaching initiatives.

Beach has also served as a peer reviewer for over a dozen major journals, including Journal of Phycology, Marine Ecology Progress Series, and Botanica Marina.

Honors and Awards

Dana Professorship of Biology
University of Tampa (2019â€Ëð°ù±ð²õ±ð²Ô³Ù)
Prestigious faculty appointment recognizing sustained excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

Innovation in Teaching Award
College of Natural and Health Sciences, University of Tampa (2015–2016)
For creative instructional approaches that enhance student engagement and learning.

Outstanding Service Award
College of Natural and Health Sciences, University of Tampa (2012–2013)
Recognition of exceptional departmental, college, and university service.

Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Initiate
University of Tampa Chapter (2011)
Nominated by peers for high academic integrity and excellence in scholarship.

Research Fellowships
Research Corporation of the University of Hawai’i (1995–1996)
National Undersea Research Program (NOAA) PI and Co-PI (2000–2001)

These honors reflect a career deeply committed to scientific inquiry, excellence in education, and institutional leadership.

Publication Highlights

Selected peer-reviewed publications include:

1.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Paul, V.J., Kuffner, I.B., Walters, L.J., Ritson-Williams, R., Beach, K.S., & Becerro, M.A. (2011).

Chemically-mediated interactions between macroalgae and coral at multiple life-history stages.
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 426, 161–170.

– A seminal paper on allelopathic effects of macroalgae on coral recruitment and survival.

2.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Kuffner, I.B., Walters, L.J., Becerro, M.A., Paul, V.J., Ritson-Williams, R., & Beach, K.S. (2006).

Inhibition of coral recruitment by macroalgae and cyanobacteria.
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 323, 107–117.

– Cited widely in coral reef resilience and restoration research.

3.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Beach, K.S., Walters, L.J., & Borgeas, H.B. (2006).

Irradiance and nutrient limitation of Dictyota spp. populations on Conch Reef, Florida Keys, USA.
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 329, 101–112.

– Investigated physiological limits of bloom-forming algae on reefs.

4.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Smith, C.M., & Beach, K.S. (2007).

Algal Color. In Denny, M. & Gaines, S. (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Rocky Shores (pp. 33–37). University of California Press.

– Educational reference on pigmentation in marine algae.

5.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Beach, K.S., Smith, C.M., & Okano, R. (2000).

Experimental analysis of rhodophyte photoacclimation to PAR and UV-radiation using in vivo absorbance spectroscopy.
Botanica Marina, 43, 525–536.

– Early work establishing Dr. Beach’s reputation in algal ecophysiology.

He has also co-authored over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to reference works, and co-presented more than 50 research posters with undergraduate collaborators at regional and national conferences.

Please refer to for more detail.Ìý