Research Focus
The Department of Biological Sciences 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. Recent faculty hires support our rich tradition of research training in these traditional fundamental disciplines while providing the specializations to foster interdisciplinary relationships.
Evolution/Ecology
Randall Bayer, Professor, (Plant Systematic & Evolution)
Melvin Beck, Professor, Interim Chair: (genetics)
Michael Kennedy, Professor: (wildlife ecology, mammal systematics)
Jennifer Mandel, Assistant Professor: (Population Genetics;Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics)
Duane McKenna, Assistant Professor (Evolutionary ecology, Systematics)
Matthew Parris, Associate Professor: (evolutionary ecology, herpetology)
Physiology
Michael Ferkin, Professor: (mammal behavior and physiology)
David Freeman, Associate Professor: (circadian rhythms, mammal neuroendocrinology)
Reza Pezeshki, Professor: (wetland ecology, plant physiology)
Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology
Amy Abell, Assistant Professor: (epigenetic regulation of gene expression important for EMT;signaling networks)
King-Thom Chung, Professor: (environmental science, molecular toxicology)
Judith Cole, Associate 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 L. Estrano, Associate Professor: (signal transduction, protein trafficking; parasitology)
Donald Ourth, Professor: (immunology)
Steven Schwartzbach, Professor: (protein trafficking)
Omar Skalli, Director, Associate Professor: (intermediate filament protiens)
Andrew Liu, Associate Professor (biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics)
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)