Mark Bulmer

Mark Bulmer is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University. He holds a B.Sc. with Honors in Biochemistry from the University of Edinburgh (1989) and a Ph.D. in Biology from Boston University (2001). His postdoctoral training includes positions at the University of Connecticut (2001–2002), James Cook University (Australia, 2002–2005), and Northeastern University (2005–2008).

His research focuses on the molecular ecology and evolution of termites, particularly their immune defenses against fungal pathogens and competitors. Key interests include cooperative grooming behaviors, alarm signaling mechanisms, and symbiotic relationships influencing colony health. Recent work highlights how termite social immunity strategies mitigate disease spread in dense colonies.

Publications emphasize behavioral and molecular mechanisms of disease resistance, including studies on fungal pathogen interactions and the evolutionary pressures shaping insect immunity. Bulmer’s work bridges ecology, evolution, and microbiology, with applications to pest control and understanding social insect biology.