David M. Althoff

David M. Althoff is Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Biology at Syracuse University. He earned his Ph.D. in Zoology from Washington State University. His research examines evolutionary ecology through multi-trophic interactions between plants, insects, and their natural enemies.

Althoff's laboratory focuses on:

• Evolutionary ecology of species interactions
• Mechanisms of speciation in specialized herbivores
• Molecular ecology and phylogenetics
• Yucca-yucca moth coevolution
• Community assembly processes

His publications reveal how mutualisms evolve and persist across environmental gradients. Recent NSF-funded projects investigate ecological dynamics in multi-mutualist communities and coevolution in pollination systems.

Althoff teaches courses in evolutionary biology, ecological medicine, and field biology. He serves as Greenhouse Coordinator and faculty advisor for TriBeta Honor Society. His work integrates field studies across southwestern US with genomic analyses and ecological modeling.