Doç. Dr. KORHAN ÖZKAN

Associate Professor at the Institute of Marine Sciences, Middle East Technical University (METU), Türkiye, specializing in aquatic and wetland ecology, coastal and transitional ecosystems, blue carbon, and ecosystem responses to environmental and climate change. His current research focuses on ecosystem metabolism, carbon cycling and greenhouse gas dynamics, freshwater–marine interactions, and the ecological functioning, biodiversity, and conservation of coastal wetlands and shallow aquatic ecosystems.

His research combines high-frequency environmental monitoring, field observations, experimental approaches (including mesocosms), and ecological modelling to investigate ecosystem processes across environmental gradients. Particular recent emphasis is placed on carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas fluxes in coastal wetlands, the role of hydrological connectivity and salinity in regulating ecosystem functioning, and the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services. His research interests also encompass community ecology and aquatic biodiversity.

He obtained his PhD in Denmark, focusing on ecological modelling and community assembly, and his MSc in Türkiye, specializing in experimental limnology. He has extensive experience in aquatic field research, experimental ecology, ecosystem monitoring, and ecological data analysis, including statistical programming in R and spatial analysis using GIS. His methodological expertise includes aquatic biogeochemistry, greenhouse gas measurements, stable isotope analyses, and the integration of high-frequency environmental observations with ecosystem modelling.

He has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects and field campaigns across Türkiye, Denmark, Greenland, and Antarctica, covering freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems, including the Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Seas. His research activities include the coordination of interdisciplinary fieldwork, experimental studies, and long-term environmental monitoring programs.

He has supervised >10 graduate and >20 undergraduate students and teaches aquatic ecology, ecological statistics, and geographic information systems. He has authored and co-authored >40 peer-reviewed scientific publications, technical reports, and conference presentations. Beyond his academic activities, he is an experienced scuba diver, birdwatcher, and nature photographer.