Hugh Lefcort

Hugh Lefcort is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Gonzaga University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. He is an active researcher and educator, specializing in behavioral ecology and ecotoxicology, with a focus on how pollution and parasites affect invertebrate behavior. He teaches a range of courses including Physiology and Biodiversity, Ecology, Parasitology, and Climate Change Science and Policy.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Zoology, Oregon State University, 1993
• B.A. in Anthropology, University of Washington, 1985

His research centers on the behavioral responses of invertebrates—particularly snails and ticks—to environmental stressors such as heavy metals, elevated CO2, and pathogens. He investigates how these stressors alter predator avoidance, physiological responses, and species interactions. His work often involves undergraduate researchers, reflecting his commitment to training critical thinkers through hands-on research.

The 15 most recent publications reveal a consistent focus on ecotoxicology and climate change impacts, with recurring themes in chemical sensing, stressor interactions, and evolutionary adaptation. His studies span terrestrial and aquatic systems, with strong emphasis on bioindicators and vector behavior, particularly in the context of human-altered environments.

Scientific Awards:

• No formal awards listed in the provided text.

Lefcort actively mentors undergraduate students, many of whom co-author his publications. His lab investigates the effects of Rickettsia bacteria on tick behavior, the influence of rising atmospheric CO2 on tick questing, and the neurobehavioral impacts of PFAS on snails. He welcomes intellectually curious students to join his research team. While no external grants are explicitly mentioned, his sustained publication record suggests ongoing research support.

He maintains an active research program with a strong emphasis on undergraduate involvement, ecological monitoring, and the intersection of environmental change and animal behavior.