James W. Small, Jr., is Professor of Biology at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida where he has taught for 36 years. He also serves as the College's Chief Pre-Health Professions Advisor. He obtained the Bachelor of Science degree in zoology at the University of North Carolina and received his M.S. degree in zoology and Ph.D degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Kentucky (1972). His dissertation was on the bioenergetics of stream fishes, but he has also done extensive work on the ecology of the Central Florida lakes for many years, involving many students in his ecological studies. Professor Small began team teaching marine biology in 1976, with on campus lectures and laboratory experiences on the Florida coasts, the Florida Keys, Barbados, and Hawaii. The Barbados and Hawaii laboratories have been offered on a two year rotation and involve taking students to professional marine biology laboratories (McGill University in Barbados or the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology in Hawaii) for 14-21 days where they collect organisms and study various marine ecosystems. Particular emphasis is given to the study of mangroves, coral reefs, and the rocky intertidal communities. He has also taught a course for college teachers on tropical intertidal biology (in Barbados) and has authored publications on fish systematics, ecology, and teaching.
