Jer Pin Chong

Jer Pin Chong is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His primary role involves teaching and coordinating courses such as BioS 230 (Ecology and Evolution) and the Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) course BioS 310 (Genetics Laboratory), where students engage in DNA barcoding projects and molecular techniques like PCR and CRISPR. He emphasizes student success, particularly for international and underrepresented students.

Chong holds a PhD from Iowa State University and advanced degrees (MS and BS) from Utah State University. His research focuses on conservation genetics of freshwater mussels and plants, applying population genetics to wildlife conservation. He investigates endangered species such as the scaleshell mussel and explores their unique reproductive strategies and genetic structures.

His research publications span topics like genetic diversity in Physaria plants, endangered freshwater mussel population dynamics, and climate impacts on African wild loquat. He has contributed to studies on Anodonta mussels, Metarhizium fungi, and mountain pine beetle genetics, reflecting expertise in molecular ecology and biodiversity conservation.

Chong’s work bridges teaching and research, integrating hands-on laboratory experiences with real-world conservation challenges. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding genetic patterns in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.