David Berg

David Berg is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biology at Miami University's College of Arts and Science, where he actively integrates research and teaching. He mentors students across campuses and leads an NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site in ecology, focusing on freshwater invertebrates and conservation science.

• Department: Department of Biology
• University: Miami University
• School: College of Arts and Science
• Campus: Hamilton Campus
• Funding: Principal Investigator, NSF-funded REU in Ecology

Education:

• Ph.D., Ohio State University
• M.S., Northwestern State University of Louisiana
• B.S., University of Notre Dame

Research Interests: Dr. Berg's research centers on the evolution and conservation of biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems. His work spans population genomics, biogeography, and conservation genetics of invertebrates such as freshwater mussels, crustaceans, and snails. He investigates how evolutionary forces like natural selection, gene flow, and genetic drift shape biodiversity, particularly in isolated systems like desert springs. His lab uses cutting-edge tools including DNA sequencing and GIS to uncover cryptic species and inform conservation policy.

Scientific Awards:

• University Distinguished Professor

Advising and Grants: Dr. Berg mentors both undergraduate and graduate students in authentic research experiences. As Principal Investigator of an NSF-funded REU site, he supports student-led research in ecology and conservation. His work has directly informed U.S. Endangered Species Act listings for three invertebrate species, demonstrating the real-world impact of student-faculty collaborative research.

Labs, Teams, and Research Groups: Dr. Berg leads a dynamic research group focused on freshwater invertebrate biodiversity. His team conducts fieldwork, lab analyses, and data interpretation, contributing to both scientific knowledge and conservation decision-making. The group collaborates with state and federal agencies and trains students in interdisciplinary research methods, preparing them for careers in science and environmental stewardship.