Walter W. Cho

Walter W. Cho, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biology at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) in the Department of Biology within the School of Arts and Sciences. He joined PLNU in 2012 after completing his postdoctoral work at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Dr. Cho teaches a range of courses including Human Biology and Bioethics, Ecological and Evolutionary Systems, Introduction to Oceanography, Marine Biology, and Experimental Marine Ecology at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Dr. Cho earned his Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program and received his B.A. in Biology from Harvard University. His academic journey included graduate work at MIT-WHOI (2002-2008), a postdoctoral position at WHOI (2009-2013), and a brief appointment as Assistant Professor of Biology at Gordon College (2011-12).

As a marine biologist, Dr. Cho's research focuses on the biodiversity, biogeography, and population connectivity of marine fauna, with particular interest in the invertebrate associates of deep-sea corals. He employs molecular and ecological tools to study these communities, often conducting research in extreme deep-sea environments including hydrothermal vents and trenches. His work has taken him aboard submersibles like Alvin to explore previously unvisited areas of the ocean floor, including the Kermadec Trench, one of Earth's deepest locations.

Dr. Cho's publication record demonstrates consistent research activity from 2010-2016, with emphasis on deep-sea coral communities, seamount ecosystems, and the impacts of environmental disturbances like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. His collaborative approach is evident in his numerous multi-author publications spanning marine biology, robotics, and environmental science.

His scientific achievements have been recognized through several awards:

• WHOI Ocean Life Institute Student Fellowship
• WHOI Research Fellowship 2011
• Excellence in Partnering Award with the LOPHELIA II Project

Dr. Cho actively contributes to the scientific community as an external manuscript reviewer for numerous scientific journals and as a member of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography since 2010. He has mentored PLNU student researchers since 2013, taking students on research expeditions to observe deep-sea environments from ships. His work often involves collaboration with research teams using advanced technologies including autonomous underwater vehicles for marine observation.

As both a scientist and Christian, Dr. Cho integrates his faith with his scientific exploration, viewing the complexity of marine ecosystems as evidence of divine creation. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and exploration across all disciplines as reflective of being made in God's image.