Rate My Professor Bryce Peebles

Bryce Peebles earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science from the University of Otago in 2017. His doctoral thesis, titled "Structure and Preservation of Chiton Valves: Resolution of a Taphonomic Quandary," was supervised by Professor Abby Smith and Professor Hamish Spencer. This work addressed the rarity of chiton valves in the fossil record despite their prevalence in modern environments. Earlier, he completed a Master of Science at the University of Otago in 2014, with a thesis entitled "Otago Submarine Canyons: Mapping and Macrobenthos," supervised by Professor Keith Probert. Currently, Peebles holds the position of Senior Systems Specialist (Digital Learning) in the Information Technology Services Division at the University of Otago, while serving as a casual research assistant in the Department of Marine Science. His research specializations encompass biomineralogy, biomineralization processes in marine molluscs such as chitons and pāua (Haliotis iris), valve microstructure, phylomineralogy, taphonomy, and the physiological effects of ocean acidification and warming on shell integrity.

Peebles has published several key papers advancing knowledge in these areas. These include "Valve microstructure and phylomineralogy of New Zealand chitons" (2017, Journal of Molluscan Studies), which detailed mineralogical compositions across chiton species using techniques like X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy; "First record of carotenoid pigments and indications of unusual shell structure in chiton valves" (2017, Journal of Molluscan Studies); "Abrasion provides clues on a chiton taphonomic conundrum" (2018); "WASTING AWAY IN THE INTERTIDAL: THE FATE OF CHITON VALVES IN AN ACIDIFYING OCEAN" (2019); and "Effect of reduced pH on physiology and shell integrity of juvenile Haliotis iris (pāua) from New Zealand" (2019, PeerJ), conducted in collaboration with Professor Abby Smith and NIWA scientists Vonda Cummings, Peter Marriott, and Jane Halliday. The latter study demonstrated that elevated temperatures and reduced pH etch the outer shell layers of juvenile pāua, potentially compromising shell strength against predators and physical abrasion, despite sustained survival and growth rates. With 61 citations across his publications, Peebles' contributions inform marine biogeochemistry and responses to climate change.