Johnsen

Sönke Johnsen is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Duke University, leading the Johnsen Lab. His research focuses on visual ecology, bioluminescence, and magnetoreception in marine and terrestrial species. Collaborations include work with Dr. Ken Lohmann at UNC on animal navigation mechanisms. His lab investigates topics such as bioluminescent signal propagation, polarization vision in marine animals, and the anatomical basis of magnetoreception.

Research methods include protein biochemistry, microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and mathematical modeling. Key projects involve studying ultra-black camouflage in deep-sea fish, the role of light in symbiotic relationships (e.g., heart cockles and algae), and the evolutionary implications of color perception in avian species.

Recent work highlights the lab’s exploration of visual acuity in deep-sea organisms, classical conditioning in echinoderms, and the impact of environmental noise on animal navigation. Contact: sjohnsen@duke.edu.