Ajna Rivera

Ajna Rivera is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Pacific University. She holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (2006) and a BS from Stanford University (1999). Her teaching philosophy emphasizes active learning through pre-class materials, in-class discussion, critical questioning, and peer collaboration to deepen biological understanding.

Research in the Rivera Lab focuses on evolutionary developmental biology (EvoDevo), including:

• Evolution of nervous systems and gene regulatory networks
• Genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular mechanisms of development
• Sexual dimorphism in morphology and behavior
• Ostracod crustaceans and sponges as model systems

Her recent publications (2017-2024) explore ostracod neurobiology, eye evolution, sexual dimorphism, sponge developmental genetics, and educational resources for EvoDevo. Research integrates molecular, ecological, and evolutionary approaches.

She leads the Rivera Lab, which studies the evolution of complex traits using integrative methods. No awards or grants are mentioned in available materials.