Research: Department of Biology

The Department of Biology emphasizes the integrative nature of the biological sciences, focusing on research programs that unite three major foci: evolution/ecology, physiology, and biochemistry cell and molecular biology. Faculty research programs reflect the interdisciplinary strength of our department, while providing a firm foundation in theoretical focal areas. Seven recent faculty hires support our rich tradition of research training in these traditional fundamental disciplines while providing the specializations to foster interdisciplinary relationships.

Major Research Areas:

Evolution/Ecology

Melvin Beck, Professor and Iterim Chair (genetics)

Maciej Biernacki, Assistant Professor (plant ecology, biostatistics)

Charles Biggers, Professor (genetics)

Scott Franklin, Associate Professor (plant community ecology)

Jack Grubaugh, Associate Professor (entomology, stream ecology)

Michael Kennedy, Professor (wildlife ecology, mammal systematics)

Matthew Parris, Assistant Professor (evolutionary ecology, herpetology)

Gary Voelker, Assistant Professor (systematics, avian ecology)

Jerry Wolff, Professor (behavioral, evolutionary and population ecology)

Physiology

Michael Ferkin, Associate Professor (mammal behavior and physiology)

David Freeman, Assistant Professor (circadian rhythms, mammal neuroendocrinology)

Kristin Kramer, Assistant Professor (reproductive endocrinology)

Reza Pezeshki, Professor (wetland ecology, plant physiology)

Stephan Schoech, Associate Professor (avian endocrinology, reproductive physiology)

Bill Simco, Professor (aquaculture, fish reproductive biology)

Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology

King-Thom Chung, Professor (environmental science, molecular toxicology)

Judy Cole, Assistant Professor (signal transduction, endocrinology)

Lewis Coons, Professor (parasitology)

T. Kent Gartner, Professor (cell physiology of platelets, signal transduction)

Charles Lessman, Professor (cell physiology, reproductive biology, development)

Carlos Lopez-Estrano, Assistant Professor (signal transduction, protein trafficking; parasitology)

Donald Ourth, Professor (immunology)

Steven Schwartzbach, Professor (protein trafficking)

Stanley Stevens, Jr., Professor (cell physiology, microbiology)

Thomas Sutter, Professor and Feinstone Chair of Functional Genomics (cancer prevention, environmental science, signal transduction)

Barbara Taller, Associate Professor (microbiology, plant-microbe interactions)

Tit-Yee Wong, Professor (bacterial physiology, signal transduction)