Timothy R. Brophy

Timothy R. Brophy is a Professor of Biology at Liberty University, affiliated with the School of Health Sciences and the Department of Biology and Chemistry. He joined Liberty in 2004 and is a graduate of the university (class of ’93). Prior to his academic role, he taught high school at New Covenant Schools in Lynchburg. His research focuses on vertebrate ecology and systematics, with current projects including ecological studies of the Peaks of Otter Salamander and baraminological studies of landfowl, mole salamanders, and cucurbits. He holds a Ph.D. with dissertation research on turtle systematics in Southeast Asia.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biology (dissertation: turtle systematics)
• Bachelor’s degree from Liberty University (class of ’93)

Research Interests: Dr. Brophy’s work spans vertebrate ecology, systematics, and baraminology (a creation biology framework for classifying organisms). He emphasizes integrative approaches combining molecular, morphological, and taxonomic data. Recent studies target lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae) and cucurbit systematics.

Grants & Advising: No grants or formal advisees are listed in the provided materials. His research collaborations include projects with students like K. Natelborg and A. Fairley.

Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary biology teams at Liberty University, focusing on ecological and taxonomic research. Collaborates with faculty across disciplines, including the Department of Biology and Chemistry.