Matthew Parks

Matthew Parks, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), specializing in evolutionary biology, phylogenomics, and microbial community analysis. He employs next-generation sequencing (Illumina, PacBio) to study evolutionary relationships and microbial assemblages in diverse systems.

Education:
• Ph.D., Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University
• M.S., Botany, University of Idaho
• B.S., Biology, Washington University in St. Louis

Research focuses on metabarcoding of microbial communities, including turtle shell biofilms, aquatic sediments, and plastic-associated microbiomes. Prior work includes resolving diatom phylogenetics, ancient DNA analysis in Adélie penguins, and investigating lateral gene transfer between diatoms and bacteria.

His publications span journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Genome Biology and Evolution, and Molecular Biology and Evolution, emphasizing phylogenomics, bioinformatics, and microbial ecology. Recent studies highlight turtle microbiome dynamics and innovative educational tools like board games for teaching cellular respiration.

Scientific Awards:
• 2022 Vanderford Engagement Award
• 2025 Vanderford Distinguished Teacher Award

The Parks lab integrates computational and experimental approaches, offering undergraduate students opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research. His work impacts conservation biology, environmental science, and STEM education.