Christopher Finelli
Assoc Provost for Grad Ed/Lifelong Learning & Dean of the Graduate School
Dr. Finelli is Professor of Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), where he currently serves as Associate Provost for Graduate, Continuing, and Lifelong Education and Dean of the Graduate School. In these roles he provides strategic leadership for graduate education, postdoctoral affairs, continuing and professional education, and lifelong learning initiatives across the university. Previously, he served as Chair of the Department of Biology and Marine Biology, Interim Executive Director of the Center for Marine Science, and Interim Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Throughout his leadership career, Dr. Finelli has advanced institutional growth through the development of new academic programs, expansion of graduate and continuing education opportunities, enhancement of student support services, and the cultivation of partnerships that strengthen workforce development and lifelong learning. He has championed student success initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration, academic innovation, and access to education for learners at all stages of their careers.
Dr. Finelli is a former President of the North Carolina Council of Graduate Schools (NCCGS), where he worked with other academic leaders across the state to enhance the visibility of graduate education, improve student outcomes, and strengthen the contributions of graduate education to North Carolina's workforce and research enterprise.
Dr. Finelli earned a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina (1997) and built a distinguished career as a marine scientist, educator, and mentor. His research has been widely cited and supported by over $10M in competitive external funding, including a National Science Foundation CAREER Award.
Education
Ph.D. in Marine Science, University of South Carolina
B.S. in Biology with Marine Biology Concentration, St. Francis College (PA)
East/West Marine Biology Program, Northeastern University
Specialization in Teaching
At UNCW, Dr. Finelli teaches marine biology, biological oceanography, and biology teaching practicum. Nationally, Dr. Finelli has contributed to undergraduate STEM education reform through his service as a PULSE Fellow with the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education (PULSE), a national initiative focused on transforming undergraduate biology education through evidence-based teaching and departmental change. He also participated in the Faculty Institutes for Reforming Science Teaching (FIRST) project, which promoted inquiry-based instruction, active learning, and faculty development in undergraduate science education.
Research Interests
Dr. Finelli's research focuses on the ecology of marine benthic ecosystems, especially oyster reefs and coral reefs. His work often investigates the role of water flow in ecological processes. Dr. Finelli has contributed over 45 peer reviewed articles and over 130 conference presentations with his students and collaborators.