Matthew Persons

Matthew Persons is the Charles B. Degenstein Professor of Biology at Susquehanna University, where he teaches courses including Ecology & Evolution, Invertebrate Zoology, and Animal Behavior. He coordinates the Ecology Major and serves as Program Director for GO Australia. His research focuses on behavioral ecology, chemical ecology, ecotoxicology, and neuroscience using spiders as a model organism.

• PhD and MS from the University of Cincinnati
• BA from Albion College

Persons investigates how animal communication and information use influence survival and reproduction. Key projects include studying herbicide impacts on spider parental care, predator-prey dynamics, kin recognition, and environmental toxicology. His work spans both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Recent research trends highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining neuroscience, ecotoxicology, and climate change ecology, with a focus on Tigrosa helluo and Pardosa milvina wolf spiders.