Crinoid Systematics Professors and Supervisors

David Fletcher WrightView profile

Assistant Professor

University of OklahomaUnited States

David Fletcher Wright is an Assistant Professor of Paleobiology in the School of Geosciences at the University of Oklahoma and Assistant Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. He also holds research associate appointments at the National Museum of Natural History and the American Museum of Natural History. Wright combines specimen-based fossil data with statistical phylogenetics to study biological diversity through Earth's history, focusing on echinoderms and their evolutionary radiations. Ph.D., The Ohio State University (2016) M.S., Ohio University (2012) B.S., University of Kansas (2010) His research intersects macroevolution , phylogenetic comparative methods , and the evolutionary history of marine invertebrates , particularly crinoids (sea lilies, feather stars). He applies Bayesian techniques to fossil phylogeny reconstruction and investigates how ecological vs. geological changes drive diversification and mass extinctions. His work often leverages the ~500-million-year echinoderm fossil record as a natural experiment for testing evolutionary theories. Wright's 15 most recent publications span topics like crinoid systematics, Jurassic sea star origins, and the impact of seawater chemistry on echinoderm evolution. Common themes include phylogenetic uncertainty, character evolution modeling, and integrating fossil data with molecular phylogenies. Notable journals include Nature Communications Biology , Papers in Palaeontology , and Biological Reviews . 2025 Junior Faculty Fellowship, University of Oklahoma 2024 NSF grant ($1.17M) for Late Ordovician extinction research 2018–2020 Gerstner Scholar & Lerner-Gray Fellow, American Museum of Natural History 2017–2018 Peter Buck Postdoctoral Fellow, National Museum of Natural History 2016 Presidential Fellow, The Ohio State University Wright advises students in phylogenetic paleobiology, including Phifer, E.J. His lab collaborates globally on projects like the Anticosti Island biodiversity initiative and systematic revisions of Paleozoic echinoderms. He has authored or co-authored 35 peer-reviewed publications, describing 26 new species and 20 higher taxa, with over 878 citations and an h-index of 17.

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Jon RadleyView profile

Research Fellow

University of BirminghamUnited Kingdom

Dr Jon Radley is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. His career spans 30 years in museum geology and natural science, focusing on public science interpretation, collecting philosophies, and geoconservation. He holds multiple advanced degrees including a PhD from the University of Portsmouth. Education: BSc (Oxford Polytechnic) MSc (University of Keele) MSc (University College London) PgDip (University of Leicester) PhD (University of Portsmouth) His research interests center on Jurassic and Cretaceous stratigraphy, particularly the Lower/Middle Jurassic of central England and non-marine Lower Cretaceous strata of southern England. He also explores Early-Mid Triassic paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Recent publications focus on dinosaur taxonomy, Jurassic bioerosion processes, and Mesozoic marine ecosystems. His work bridges academic research with public engagement through museum collaborations. Publications highlight contributions to theropod dinosaur studies, trace fossil analysis, and regional geological histories. Though no awards are explicitly mentioned, his extensive publication record reflects sustained scholarly contribution. His research aligns with the School's Earth Science research themes, contributing to undergraduate teaching and public outreach initiatives. As an honorary fellow, he collaborates with museum networks and maintains active fieldwork in key UK geological sites.

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John P. HuelsenbeckView profile

Professor

University of California, BerkeleyUnited States

John P. Huelsenbeck is the McCreight Chancellor’s Chair in Computational Biology and a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on developing and applying Bayesian statistical methods to phylogenetic analysis, computational biology, and evolutionary processes. He has contributed extensively to software tools such as MrBayes and RevBayes, which are widely used for Bayesian phylogenetic inference. His work addresses challenges in phylogenetic model selection, accommodating phylogenetic uncertainty, and integrating genomic data into evolutionary studies. Key research areas include Bayesian inference of phylogeny, statistical phylogenetics, and the development of high-performance computational libraries like BEAGLE. He explores topics such as host-parasite cospeciation, molecular clock relaxations, and the impact of dependent evolution in sequence analysis. His projects often involve collaborations in computational methods and their applications to understanding biodiversity, viral evolution (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), and adaptation in desert ecosystems. Publications highlight advancements in phylogenetic algorithms, model choice methodologies, and applications to diverse datasets ranging from bacteriophage evolution to crinoid taxonomy. His work emphasizes rigorous statistical frameworks and computational efficiency, making significant contributions to both theoretical and applied evolutionary biology.

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William I. AusichView profile

Professor

Ohio State UniversityUnited States

William I. Ausich is an Academy Professor of Earth Sciences and Director of the Orton Geological Museum at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on the Paleontology and Paleoecology of Paleozoic Crinoids , with particular emphasis on evolutionary dynamics , phylogeny , and paleocommunity dynamics through major climate and biosphere changes. He has secured substantial funding from the National Science Foundation to support his work on crinoid evolution and paleoecology. Education: Ph.D., Indiana University (1978) M.A., Indiana University (1976) B.S., University of Illinois (1974) Ausich's publications span leading peer-reviewed journals, and he has authored five books and monographs. His research includes systematic revisions of crinoid families, biostratigraphic frameworks, and paleoenvironmental reconstructions across the Phanerozoic. Collaborative studies with colleagues like Tomasz K. Baumiller highlight his commitment to advancing evolutionary paleoecology. Awards and honors received by Ausich reflect his contributions to paleontological science, though specific accolades are not itemized in the provided texts. He mentors graduate and undergraduate students in projects related to crinoid evolution and paleoecology, ensuring the next generation of researchers in this field. As Director of the Orton Geological Museum, Ausich plays a pivotal role in curating and promoting geological collections. His work bridges traditional taxonomy, phylogenetics, and paleoenvironmental analysis, making significant strides in understanding the ecological roles and evolutionary trajectories of echinoderms in Earth's history.

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Jennifer Hoyal CuthillView profile

Lecturer

University of EssexUnited Kingdom

Dr Jennifer Hoyal Cuthill is a Lecturer at the School of Life Sciences, University of Essex , with a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. She holds a PhD in Palaeobiology from the University of Cambridge (2011), an MSc in Palaeobiology (University of Bristol, 2007), and a BSc in Zoology (University of Bristol, 2005). Her research focuses on: Biological machine learning : Applying computational methods to life sciences Computational palaeobiology : Quantifying evolutionary history Evolutionary convergence : Measuring repeated evolutionary patterns Ediacaran palaeoecology : Studying Earth's earliest macro-organisms Her current projects include machine learning on butterfly phenotypes and computational analysis of the fossil record . She has received the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and presented at conferences including the Palaeontological Association Annual Meeting and Open University Geological Society AGM . She supervises PhD student Benjamin James Calvert and collaborates with institutions like the Earth Life Science Institute at Tokyo Institute of Technology .

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David MeyerView profile

Professor

University of CincinnatiUnited States

Dr. David Meyer is a Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Cincinnati, with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. His research focuses on paleontology, marine biology, and evolutionary ecology, particularly of echinoderms like crinoids and brachiopods. He holds a Ph.D. in Geology from Yale University (1971) and a B.S. in Geology from the University of Michigan (1966). His work includes extensive field and laboratory studies of modern and fossil crinoid communities, with projects in the Great Barrier Reef, Caribbean, and Ordovician outcrops of Ohio and Kentucky. He has secured multiple grants from the National Science Foundation, National Geographic Society, and university boards, with a recent 2011-2012 NSF grant as Principal Investigator. Dr. Meyer has co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, including studies on crinoid systematics, paleoecology, and sediment interactions. He has presented at numerous international conferences and served on the Sigma Xi and Dry Dredgers Executive Boards. His teaching includes undergraduate courses like Planet Earth: Reefs, combining fieldwork and sedimentological analysis for geological training.

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Sarah L. SheffieldView profile

Assistant Professor

University of South FloridaUnited States

Sarah L. Sheffield is an Assistant Professor in the School of Geosciences at the University of South Florida, within the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on evolutionary relationships of Paleozoic echinoderms and fostering inclusive education in geosciences. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee (2017), an M.S. from Auburn University (2013), and a B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2011). Dr. Sheffield’s research integrates morphological analysis of echinoderms with biogeographic and evolutionary studies. Key projects include interpreting skeletal homologies, determining phylogenetic relationships, and identifying new fossil localities. Her work also emphasizes DEI initiatives, such as diversifying STEM representation and improving accessibility in geoscience education. Her recent publications explore echinoderm phylogeny, biogeography, and education equity. Notable awards include the GSA Fellowship (2020) and the National GSA Biggs Teaching Award (2019). She advises graduate students like Stephen Hill and mentors undergraduates in projects ranging from fossil digitization to science communication. Dr. Sheffield actively engages in outreach via blogs (e.g., Time Scavengers), K-12 programs, and public lectures. Her lab group collaborates internationally and focuses on paleontological fieldwork in locations like Sardinia and North America.

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Brad DelineView profile

Professor

University of West GeorgiaUnited States

Brad Deline, Ph.D., serves as Professor of Geology within the Department of Geology at the University of West Georgia's Dr. Perry College of Mathematics, Computing and Sciences. His academic appointments span both the School of Field Investigations and Experimental Sciences and the Dr. Perry College, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement across geoscience and computational disciplines. Teaching responsibilities include foundational courses such as Introductory Geology (GEOL-1121K), Paleontology (GEOL-4024), and Age of Dinosaurs (GEOL-2523) across multiple semesters through Fall 2025. Dr. Deline holds a B.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Michigan (2003), followed by M.S. (2006) and Ph.D. (2009) in Geology from the University of Cincinnati. His research program centers on paleontological investigations of evolutionary transitions, with particular emphasis on echinoderm morphology, systematics, and disparity through deep time. Key methodological approaches include quantitative morphometrics, taphonomic analysis, and integration of phylogenetic frameworks to reconstruct evolutionary patterns during critical intervals like the Cambrian explosion and Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event. Analysis of Dr. Deline's publication record reveals consistent focus on echinoderm evolutionary dynamics, with recent work (2021-2025) increasingly incorporating genomic data integration, climate-biodiversity correlations, and advanced morphometric techniques. His scholarship demonstrates progression from descriptive systematics toward synthetic analyses connecting morphological disparity with ecological innovation and biogeographic patterns, particularly regarding crinoids and diploporan echinoderms across the Ordovician-Silurian boundary. Dr. Deline maintains active research collaborations with institutions including the University of Michigan, University of Cincinnati, and international partners, evidenced by co-authorship on publications spanning paleobiological methodology development, exceptional fossil preservation studies, and theoretical frameworks for disparity analysis. His laboratory work focuses on morphological quantification techniques applicable to both fossil and extant echinoderm specimens.

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Christian KlugView profile

Adjunct Professor

University of ZurichSwitzerland

Christian Klug serves as an Adjunct Professor of Paleontology and Curator of the Collection and Museum at the Palaeontological Institute, University of Zurich, where he maintains an active research profile in marine paleontology. His work bridges academic scholarship with museum curation, focusing on fossil analysis and collection management. His primary research interests encompass: Cephalopod evolution (ammonoids, nautiloids, and coleoids) Vertebrate paleontology (sharks, ichthyosaurs, and early fish) Mesozoic and Paleozoic marine ecosystem dynamics Taphonomic processes and fossil preservation Paleobiogeographic patterns across geological time Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals a strong emphasis on cephalopod systematics, with recurring themes in morphological variation, evolutionary adaptations, and predator-prey relationships. His work frequently integrates field data from Switzerland, Morocco, and Poland with advanced analytical techniques like finite element analysis and microwear texture studies. Notable contributions include descriptions of new fossil species (e.g., hybodontiform sharks, chimaera egg capsules) and investigations into macroecological patterns across deep time. As Curator of the Collection and Museum, Dr. Klug oversees fossil repositories at the University of Zurich, contributing to both research infrastructure and public scientific engagement. His role exemplifies the integration of academic research with museum-based stewardship of paleontological heritage.

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Brian BodenbenderView profile

Professor

Hope CollegeUnited States

Dr. Brian Bodenbender is a Professor of Geology and Environmental Science at Hope College since 1996. He specializes in paleontology, coastal geomorphology, and sustainability research, integrating field studies with innovative imaging techniques like gigapixel photography and drone-based imaging. Ph.D. in geological sciences, University of Michigan, 1994 M.S. in geological sciences, University of Michigan, 1990 B.A. in geology, The College of Wooster, 1987 His research spans two primary domains: paleontological studies examining crystallographic orientations in echinoderm fossils and environmental science investigations focused on Lake Michigan dune dynamics, plastic pollution, and coastal sustainability. Publications from 2011-2021 highlight his expertise in sediment transport analysis and interdisciplinary curriculum design. Scientific contributions include participation in the NSF Ideas Lab. His work bridges field-based geology with ecological stewardship, emphasizing undergraduate research as a pedagogical foundation.

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Kristian TaylorView profile

Teaching Professor

The University of TampaUnited States

Associate Teaching Professor in the Biology Department at The University of Tampa, Kristian Taylor holds a Ph.D. (2015), M.S. (2009), and B.S. (2006) from Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center and the University of Miami respectively. He teaches Marine Invertebrate Zoology, Invertebrate Zoology, and other biology courses. His research centers on marine invertebrate systematics and ecology, with primary focus on crinoid phylogenetics using molecular and morphological tools. Recent work examines crustacean responses to environmental stressors including stone crab intraspecific aggression post-claw removal and mangrove crab adaptations to invasive Brazilian peppertree encroachment. His integrative approach combines field ecology with laboratory analysis to address conservation challenges in coastal ecosystems. Professional recognition includes multiple research grants supporting his marine conservation work. Taylor actively contributes to undergraduate research through the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), co-authoring publications on mentoring networks for research integration in higher education. He mentors undergraduate students in hands-on research projects investigating behavioral ecology and species interactions in threatened marine habitats, emphasizing experiential learning and scientific methodology development.

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Selina R. ColeView profile

Assistant Professor

University of OklahomaUnited States

Selina R. Cole is an Assistant Professor of Geosciences and Assistant Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, University of Oklahoma. She holds a position in the School of Geosciences at the Sarkeys Energy Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in 2017 from The Ohio State University B.S. in 2012 from James Madison University A.A. in 2009 from Danville Community College As an invertebrate paleontologist, Dr. Cole's research program primarily focuses on evolutionary paleoecology, emphasizing the role of ecology as an evolutionary driver in marine systems through deep time. Her work falls into two overlapping and complementary areas: extinction (including extinction risk, recovery, and evolutionary consequences of mass extinctions) and community paleoecology (including the assembly and phylogenetic structure of paleocommunities, changes in niche space occupation through time, and ecological restructuring following environmental perturbations). Although her research uses diverse groups of fossil marine invertebrates, her taxonomic expertise is on fossil crinoids (the feather stars and sea lilies, relatives of sea urchins and starfish), and she most frequently uses their exceptional fossil record for addressing evolutionary and paleoecological questions. Dr. Cole's extensive publication record demonstrates expertise in crinoid systematics, morphology, and evolutionary history. Her research frequently integrates museum collection studies, phylogeny reconstruction, quantitative and phylogenetic comparative approaches, and fieldwork, notably on Anticosti Island in Quebec, Canada. She has made significant contributions to understanding hierarchical controls on extinction selectivity, phylogenetic community paleoecology, and the evolutionary history of diplobathrid crinoids. Her work spans paleontology, evolutionary biology, and ecology, with applications to understanding macroevolutionary patterns and processes over the last ~500 million years. Dr. Cole has described numerous new crinoid taxa from various Ordovician formations around the world, including from Ontario, Estonia, and Spain. Her research on the Brechin Lagerstätte has revealed it as the most taxonomically diverse Katian crinoid fauna, with more than 20 crinoid genera represented, providing important insights into early crinoid community structure and evolution. She teaches courses including Fundamentals of Invertebrate Paleontology and maintains an active research program with extensive publication output in high-impact journals such as Nature Ecology & Evolution, Science Advances, and Journal of Paleontology.

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Adiël KlompmakerView profile

Researcher

University of AlabamaUnited States

Adiël Klompmaker is a Researcher and Curator of Paleontology at the Department of Museum Research & Collections, University of Alabama, affiliated with the Alabama Museum of Natural History. He holds a PhD from Kent State University (2012) and MS from Utrecht University (2006), with postdoctoral training at the University of California Berkeley (2015–2019) and University of Florida (2012–2015). His research focuses on invertebrate paleontology, particularly biotic interactions (predation, parasitism) in marine ecosystems and crustacean evolution. He has published ~80 articles and supervised over 15 students. Klompmaker serves as Associate Editor for Paleobiology and Associate Guest Editor for Journal of Paleontology . He curates the UA Museums paleontology collection and manages the Harrell Station Paleontological Site. Teaching includes courses like Paleontology & Society , and he actively engages in public outreach and fossil identification services. Education: PhD, Kent State University, Geology (2012) MS, Utrecht University, Earth Sciences (2006) Postdoctoral Scholar, UC Berkeley, Integrative Biology (2015–2019) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Florida, Geological Sciences (2012–2015) Research Interests: Klompmaker investigates predator-prey dynamics, parasitism in marine invertebrates, and crustacean evolution. He employs experimental taphonomy, fossil morphology, and paleontological data to understand ecosystem changes over geological time. Key topics include Cretaceous reef ecosystems, Mesozoic decapod diversification, and the fossil record of predation adaptations. Publications & Media: His work has been featured in Science , Geology , and Earth-Science Reviews . Media highlights include discoveries on octopus predation, coral-associated crustaceans, and parasitic infestations in fossil arthropods. Grants & Advising: Klompmaker oversees the Paleontology Collection Enhancement Fund for collection support. He actively mentors students and collaborates on projects involving fossil curation, experimental taphonomy, and digitization efforts. Labs & Teams: Leads curation efforts at UA Museums and manages Harrell Station, a key site for public fossil education and fieldwork.

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Cory BishopView profile

Professor

St. Francis Xavier UniversityCanada

Cory Bishop is a Professor in the Department of Biology at St. Francis Xavier University, Canada. His research focuses on symbiotic relationships between algae and amphibians, specifically investigating the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of algal symbionts in salamander egg masses. He employs molecular biology techniques such as PCR, metabarcoding, and genomic analysis to explore these interactions. Bishop holds a Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University (2003) and completed postdoctoral studies at Kewalo Marine Lab (Hawaii), Friday Harbor Labs (Washington), and Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia). His work integrates experimental biology, field studies, and collaborations with industry, including the StFX Centre for Biofouling Research and Oberland Agriscience. His research interests include understanding the origins, functions, and environmental adaptations of symbiotic systems. Recent studies address topics like algal symbiont specificity, bacterial diversity in amphibian embryos, and genomic adaptations in invasive species. Bishop’s lab is located in Bruce Brown Hall, where he mentors students using advanced microscopy and molecular biology tools. Bishop’s articles highlight themes of symbiosis evolution, microbial community dynamics, and the ecological impacts of environmental heterogeneity. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with ecological outcomes, contributing to evolutionary and developmental biology discourse.

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