Will Crampton

Dr. Will Crampton is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Central Florida, where he serves as Associate Chair. His research focuses on the ecological, behavioral, and evolutionary mechanisms driving species diversity in Neotropical freshwater fishes, particularly gymnotiform electric knifefishes. He leads biodiversity inventories in the Amazon basin and investigates reproductive isolation, taxonomic revisions, and environmental adaptation.

Research Trends: Recent publications highlight genomic studies of repetitive DNAs, sensory ecology (moonlight avoidance), hypoxia-driven physiological adaptations, and bioelectric signal evolution. His work integrates molecular genetics with ecological field studies.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Co-star in National Geographic's 'Dangerous Encounters' documentary (2010)
  • Featured in Nature News and Views (2010)

Laboratory Focus: The Crampton lab studies gymnotiform electric fishes as model organisms for understanding speciation, using interdisciplinary approaches combining phylogenetics, electrophysiology, and conservation biology.