Ronald M. Bonett

Ronald M. Bonett is a Professor of Biology and the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs at the Oxley College of Health and Natural Sciences, University of Tulsa, where he leads academic initiatives and conducts research in evolutionary developmental biology with a focus on amphibians.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington, an M.S. and B.S. from East Stroudsburg University, establishing a foundation in biological sciences and research methodology.

Dr. Bonett's research centers on how ecology and life cycle modes influence animal form and function evolution, particularly in salamanders. He investigates hormonal regulation of development, heterochrony, and paedomorphosis through comparative analyses of gene expression and morphology across species, emphasizing endocrine mechanisms' evolutionary role in developmental timing.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent exploration of salamander life cycle evolution, especially in plethodontids. His work integrates phylogenomics, transcriptomics, and functional studies to examine constraints on morphological diversification, genome size evolution, and biogeographic patterns, highlighting hormonal regulation as a key driver of adaptive developmental changes.

Dr. Bonett directs the Bonett Lab at the University of Tulsa, fostering research on amphibian evolution and development through comparative experimental approaches and field studies.