Christopher Free
Research Faculty
Office: Bren 3414
Email: cfree@ucsb.edu
Web: Website
GS: Google Scholar
RG: ResearchGate
GH: GitHub
Twitter: @ChrisFree14
I am an Assistant Researcher (research faculty) at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California—Santa Barbara. I have a PhD in Oceanography from Rutgers University and a BA in Conservation Biology from Middlebury College.
My research uses quantitative and interdisciplinary methods to explore solutions to aquatic conservation and management problems. In general, I seek to: (1) understand social-ecological drivers of fish population dynamics; (2) design and test of climate-adaptive fisheries management strategies; and (3) identify pathways for coastal food systems to enhance human livelihoods. Currently, I’m doing work on endangered species bycatch, dynamic ocean management, harmful algal blooms, marine heatwaves, climate-ready fisheries management, and human nutrition. I leverage quantitative methods including population modeling, statistical analysis, machine learning, spatial-temporal analysis, stock assessment, and management strategy evaluation.
I’m an avid runner and can often be found running in the mountains of Santa Barbara or competing in Nite Moves during the summer. I also play trombone, love word games, and lose a lot of discs on the Evergreen disc golf course.