Root Gorelick

Root Gorelick is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, affiliated with the School of Mathematics & Statistics and the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies. He holds degrees from Cornell, Temple, New Mexico State, and Arizona State Universities. His research focuses on evolutionary theory of sex, cactus biology, academic freedom, and Indigenous sciences, challenging traditional paradigms in biology and advocating for interdisciplinary and inclusive perspectives.

Education: B.A. (Cornell), M.A. (Temple), M.S., M.A. (New Mexico State), M.S., Ph.D. (Arizona State).

Research interests include the evolutionary origins of meiosis, non-adaptive traits in cacti, and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into academia. He critiques the male-female dichotomy and explores how sex shapes individuality. His lab investigates topics like chromosome architecture in cycads and the mathematics of biodiversity measurement.

Laboratory and office spaces are located in the CTTC Building. He actively mentors students interested in theoretical evolutionary biology, interdisciplinary work combining biology with mathematics or sexuality studies, and Indigenous ecological perspectives.