About
Matthew Toomey is an Assistant Professor of Biological Science at the University of Tulsa's Oxley College of Health Sciences, where he leads the Toomey Lab investigating animal coloration, vision, and pigment biochemistry. His research integrates genomics, molecular biology, and comparative physiology to study carotenoid/retinoid metabolism across vertebrates. He teaches Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology and Principles of Neuroscience.
Toomey holds a Ph.D. from Arizona State University. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques including heterologous expression systems, comparative transcriptomics, and molecular cloning to examine pigment transport mechanisms and visual adaptations from cellular to ecological scales. Primary research areas include the evolution of avian coloration, photoreceptor function, and carotenoid-based signaling systems.
Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on alternative carotenoid metabolic pathways in birds (2025), photoreceptor evolution (2025), and environmental influences on visual systems. His work consistently bridges biochemical mechanisms with evolutionary ecology, particularly in avian and fish models. The 15 most recent articles reveal recurring themes in pigment metabolism, sensory adaptation, and genetic regulation of ornamental traits.
No awards or student advisees are documented in available sources. The Toomey Lab maintains active collaborations as evidenced by preprint co-authorship and maintains digital outreach through its website and academic social profiles.
