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Aaron KrochmalView profile

Associate Professor

• Herpetology
• Reptile Behavior
• Reptile Physiology
• +4 more

Aaron Krochmal serves as Associate Professor of Biology and Associate Chair of the Department of Biology at Washington College, where he has established a distinguished career in organismal biology research and innovative pedagogy. His academic credentials include: B.S. in Biology from Union College (NY), 1996 M.S. in Biology from New York University, 1998 Ph.D. in Ecology from Indiana State University, 2003 Dr. Krochmal's research program integrates behavioral ecology, physiology, and neurobiology to investigate reptilian sensory systems and navigation mechanisms. His lab employs field experiments, neurological recordings, and computational modeling to study turtle migration cognition and pit viper infrared vision evolution, with recent expansions into reptile personality studies and rattlesnake rattle communication. This interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental biological questions with conservation applications, as evidenced by his turtle navigation research influencing wildlife habitat management practices. His scholarly impact extends through significant media coverage: LiveScience feature on snapping turtle migration (60+ million views) National Public Radio's The Academic Minute on animal cognition New Scientist coverage of agribusiness-conservation intersections Chronicle of Higher Education feature on animal learning research Teaching excellence defines his academic identity through dynamic courses including General Biology, Integrative Human Anatomy/Physiology, and Research Techniques in Herpetology. His student-centered pedagogy blends progressive and essentialist philosophies, fostering intellectual risk-taking in the classroom. Mentoring remains central to his mission, with numerous undergraduate researchers co-authoring publications and contributing to field projects like the 2011 Landscape Ecology study on turtle movements.

• Evolution and systematics of mammals
• Vertebrate evolution in sub-Saharan Africa
• Cladistics
• +3 more

Professor Maureen A. O'Leary is a vertebrate paleontologist and systematist in the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University . Since earning her PhD from Johns Hopkins University in 1997, she has led field expeditions across West Africa and North America, focusing on Early Cenozoic mammal origins and diversification. Her research integrates cladistics , morphological phylogenetics , and fossil evidence to reconstruct the Tree of Life. She is the founder and former director (2000–2021) of the MorphoBank database—an NSF-funded, web-based repository for peer-reviewed morphological matrices that enables global collaborative phylogenetic studies. Current projects include monographic descriptions of new Late Cretaceous–Early Paleogene fossils from: North America sub-Saharan Africa (Republic of Mali expeditions) Mongolia Her prior work spans cetacean evolution, primate gradualism, ungulate ear anatomy, and paleobiology of fish, archosaurs, turtles, plants, and invertebrates. Laboratory & Teams: Dr. O'Leary heads a vertebrate paleontology research group that combines fieldwork, high-resolution morphological analysis, and cyber-infrastructure development.

Ronald MoenView profile

Associate Professor

• Mammalian Ecology
• Habitat Use
• Movement Patterns
• +7 more

Ronald Moen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth and a Senior Research Associate at the Center for Water and the Environment, Natural Resources Research Institute. He holds graduate faculty appointments in Integrated Biosciences (since 2004) and Conservation Biology (since 2005) at University of Minnesota campuses. Ph.D. in Wildlife Conservation (University of Minnesota, 1995) M.S. in Wildlife with Plant Physiology minor (University of Minnesota, 1988) B.S. in Biological Sciences (Cornell University, 1984) Research Focus : Mammalian ecology with emphasis on habitat use, movement patterns, physiology, and predator-prey interactions using GPS radiotelemetry. Key projects include: Moose ecology (habitat use with LiDAR, parasites, predation, forage availability) American Marten habitat analysis Canada Lynx survival and reproduction Climate Change Adaptation Planning for National Park Service Wood Turtle habitat studies Northern Long-eared Bat distribution research Recent Publications highlight work in mammalian thermal ecology, wildlife telemetry accuracy, disease transmission dynamics, and conservation applications of LiDAR technology. Teaching : Courses in Mammalogy, Evolution, Conservation Biology, Animal Behavior, and Ecological Processes. Mentors graduate students in Integrated Biosciences and Conservation Biology programs. Students include multiple M.S. and Ph.D. advisees working on topics ranging from bat ecology to wolf genetics, with collaborations across institutions and agencies. Labs/Projects : Collaborates with MN DNR, Tribal agencies, County and Federal organizations on moose-deer interactions, carnivore monitoring, and climate change impacts in the Upper Midwest.

Jeffrey MacdonaldView profile

Associate Professor

• Metabolomics
• Fluxomics
• Bioreactor Design
• +5 more

Jeffrey Macdonald serves as an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, with a primary appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He holds significant leadership roles as the Founder and Scientific Director of the Metabolomic Facility and Co-Scientific Director of the joint UNC/NCSU/NOAA Marine MRI facility at Pivers Island near Beaufort, NC. Dr. Macdonald's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of California at San Francisco (1995), an M.S. in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California at Davis (1988), and a B.A. in Aquatic Biology from the University of California at Santa Barbara (1984). His academic journey continued with post-doctoral training at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences under Dr. Robert London, a pioneer in fluxomics. His research program centers on metabolomics and fluxomics , with a particular focus on using stable isotope-labeled nutrients ( 13 C, 15 N, 2 H) to trace metabolic networks. Dr. Macdonald has developed innovative NMR-compatible bioreactors, including a patented multi-coaxial membrane bioartificial liver and a fluidized-bed bioreactor for hepatocyte culture. His work spans from fundamental metabolic studies to environmental applications, with recent emphasis on comparative multi-omics across mammalian species and bat aging research. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent research activity with a clear evolution from foundational metabolomic techniques to broader applications in environmental science, cancer research, and comparative biology. His work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting metabolomics with fields as diverse as marine science, neurology, and public health. Dr. Macdonald has secured NIH funding for developing novel fluxomic applications and established the first Metabolomic Facility at UNC in 2002. His research program has facilitated numerous collaborations across diverse biological systems, from diatoms and bacteria to rodents and humans, with recent expansion into environmental metabolomics of wild populations including mollusks, sea turtles, and bats. His laboratory work focuses on the integration of metabolomics with tissue engineering to enable quantitative biosystem analysis. The Marine MRI facility represents a significant expansion of his research capabilities into marine environmental systems, while his ongoing work with the Metabolomic Facility continues to support diverse research projects across campus and beyond.

Christy Anna HipsleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary biology
• Vertebrate paleontology
• Herpetology
• +7 more

Christy Anna Hipsley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. She holds a joint appointment in the Ecology and Evolution section, with research spanning evolutionary biology, vertebrate paleontology, and herpetology. Her work integrates multiple disciplines through advanced imaging techniques and computational approaches to study morphological evolution across 500 million years of vertebrate history. Her primary research interests include evolutionary biology, vertebrate paleontology, herpetology, phenotypic convergence, and 3D shape analysis. She specializes in using X-ray computed tomography to generate three-dimensional models of fossil and living organisms for evolutionary comparison, often applying geometric morphometrics to diverse groups including primates, canids, marine mammals, marsupials, turtles, and reptiles. Her work specifically examines how Cenozoic climate change has shaped morphological and taxonomic variation, and identifies contexts where biodiversity is generated and destroyed. Dr. Hipsley's recent publications demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining traditional morphological studies with computational methods. Her work spans from detailed anatomical studies of reptiles to collaborations with computer scientists on diffusion modeling techniques. This reflects her commitment to integrating bioinformatic, molecular, ecological, paleoclimatic, and morphological approaches in evolutionary research. Selected Awards: Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond (DFF) Project 1 (2,847,513 DKK) Villum Synergy Grant on Stochastic Morphometry (2,140,000 DKK) ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (1,650,697 DKK) Dean's Award for Excellence in Research (Team), University of Melbourne Dr. Hipsley has supervised numerous graduate students across multiple institutions including the University of Copenhagen, Monash University, and the University of Melbourne. She serves as a Senior Editorial Board Member for BMC Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and reviews for numerous prestigious journals including Nature Communications, Science Advances, and Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. Her international collaborations span Germany, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and India, reflecting the global nature of her research program. She is also an active participant in science outreach, having contributed to children's science TV shows, podcasts, and public exhibits.

• Cardiac biology
• Epithelial physiology
• Developmental biology
• +5 more

Dr. Ilan Ruhr is a comparative physiologist at the University of Salford's School of Science, Engineering & Environment. His research focuses on how environmental factors impact the phenotype of aquatic vertebrates, with special expertise in cellular physiology of epithelial and cardiac cells and their underlying molecular mechanisms. His research interests include: Cardiac biology Epithelial physiology Developmental biology Ion homeostasis Osmoregulation Mitochondrial biology Dr. Ruhr's recent research publications demonstrate a strong focus on anoxia tolerance in turtles, with particular attention to developmental programming of cardiac function. His work spans comparative studies across multiple species including marine teleosts, freshwater turtles, and other vertebrates. He has made significant contributions to understanding how environmental stressors affect physiological function at multiple biological levels. His scientific awards include: University of Salford Research Fellowship (2024) CARTOX, LLC research grant (£10,000 GBP, 2020) Multiple Company of Biologists Travel Fellowships (2015, 2018) RSMAS Five-Year Graduate Research Assistantship ($105,000 USD, 2011) Dr. Ruhr actively supervises graduate students and maintains a robust network of international collaborations. His research program aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health, climate action, marine conservation, and terrestrial ecosystem sustainability. He has served on editorial boards, organized scientific conferences, and participated in numerous public engagement activities to disseminate science to broader audiences.

Terry MalloyView profile

Professor

• Impact of Disturbance in Ecosystems
• Freshwater Ecology
• Restoration Ecology
• +2 more

Terry Malloy serves as Professor in the Department of Biology at Benedictine College, teaching diverse courses including General Biology, Evolution, Ecology, and international field programs in the Peruvian Amazon and Ireland. His position encompasses classroom instruction, undergraduate research mentorship, and field-based ecological studies. Dr. Malloy earned his Ph.D. in Zoology from Oklahoma State University (2001) with dissertation research on smallmouth bass hybridization, an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Fort Hays State University (1997) examining Republican River fish assemblages, and a B.A. in Biology from Benedictine College (1995) where his undergraduate work established baseline bird data for Missouri River wetlands. His research program centers on ecosystem disturbance impacts, freshwater ecology, and restoration genetics, with current Corps of Engineers-funded work assessing 2011 flood effects on Missouri River riparian communities. He employs quadrat, line-intercept, and point-quarter methodologies while training students in plant identification and data analysis. His international courses explore cultural-ecological relationships in Ireland and Egypt. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on Missouri River ecology, Kansas watershed assessments, and conservation genetics of freshwater species. Work spans field conferences, technical reports, and journal articles with strong undergraduate co-authorship, demonstrating integration of student research into professional outputs across freshwater ecology and restoration projects. Dr. Malloy actively mentors undergraduates through the Discovery Symposium, supervising 47 student-led projects from 2008-2013 on topics including Missouri River vegetation, Amazon biodiversity, and Kansas wetland mitigation. His collaborative network includes the University of South Dakota (Dr. Mark Dixon), Corps of Engineers, and Kansas Department of Health. Research infrastructure involves field sites along the Missouri River (Segment 13), Marais des Cygnes and Hillsdale watersheds, and international locations in Peru and Egypt. His Benedictine Bottoms wetland mitigation site serves as living laboratory for long-term biodiversity monitoring since 2005, with ongoing studies of turtles, birds, insects, and vegetation dynamics.

• Paleontology
• Comparative Anatomy
• Human Evolution
• +2 more

Aryeh Grossman, Ph.D., is a Professor of Anatomy at Midwestern University holding appointments across four colleges: Veterinary Medicine, Optometry, Dental Medicine-Arizona, and Graduate Studies-Arizona. He joined Midwestern in 2008 as an Assistant Professor, earned tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2013, and became a full Professor in 2019. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Anatomy from Stony Brook University (2008) M.A. from Stony Brook University (2005) M.S. from University of Toronto (2000) B.S. from University of Toronto (1998) As a paleontologist and comparative anatomist, Dr. Grossman directs field research in West Turkana and Kenya's Central Highlands, plus Israel's Hazeva and Hordos Formations, investigating environmental drivers of mammalian evolution from the Early Miocene to present. His work spans Cretaceous fauna at Texas' Arlington Archosaur Site and comparative studies of sengis, xenarthrans, carnivorans, perissodactyls, and artiodactyls. His 14 publications (2006-2025) reveal consistent expertise in paleontological methods and anatomical reinterpretation, with recent work focusing on enamel proteomics, breast anatomy for surgical innovation, and East African fossil mammals. The research demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches bridging paleoecology, evolutionary biology, and clinical anatomy. Scientific awards: None documented in source materials. Dr. Grossman teaches gross anatomy across multiple health science programs including veterinary, dental, and osteopathic medicine curricula. His research collaborations span international field teams in Kenya and Israel, plus the Arlington Archosaur Site project in Texas, reflecting integrated approaches to evolutionary morphology and environmental change.

Gaëlle BlanvillainView profile

Visiting Assistant Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Disease Ecology
• Herpetology
• +4 more

Gaëlle Blanvillain serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at the College of Charleston, teaching undergraduate courses including BIOL 112 (Evolution, Form and Function of Organisms) and BIOL 406 (Conservation Biology). Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, an M.S. in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston, an M.S. in Management of Natural Resources from the University of Angers (France), and a B.S. in Biology from the University of La Rochelle (France). Her research program centers on conservation biology and disease ecology of herpetofauna, with dual expertise in turtle and snake systems. Early career work (2003-2012) focused on sea turtle physiology, population dynamics, and conservation in the Northwest Atlantic, particularly loggerhead sea turtles. Recent publications (2013-2024) demonstrate a strategic shift toward reptile disease ecology, with significant contributions to understanding Snake Fungal Disease epidemiology in European snakes and microplastics impacts on turtles through the TORPP consortium. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals three interconnected research thrusts: (1) One Health approaches linking environmental pollution and wildlife disease, (2) molecular epidemiology of emerging fungal pathogens in snakes, and (3) conservation physiology of threatened turtle species. Her work consistently integrates field ecology with laboratory pathology, demonstrating methodological innovation in non-invasive monitoring techniques. Dr. Blanvillain actively collaborates with international researchers across Europe and North America, as evidenced by multinational authorship on recent papers. Her involvement in the TORPP consortium highlights engagement with multidisciplinary teams addressing plastic pollution impacts. While no specific advising or grant information appears in the source text, her publication record indicates active mentorship through co-authorship with junior researchers.

Eric McElroyView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Functional Morphology
• +3 more

Eric McElroy is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Biology at the College of Charleston, based in the Rita Hollings Science Center (Office 247, Lab 291). He actively contributes to academic leadership, teaching, and research in evolutionary biology and ecological morphology. Dr. McElroy's educational background includes: Ph.D. from Ohio University B.S. from Ohio Northern University His research program investigates the evolution and ecology of animal performance, with three core emphases: (1) biomechanics and functional morphology of vertebrate locomotion, (2) invasion ecology and population dynamics of introduced Texas horned lizards in South Carolina, and (3) parasite-mediated effects on host locomotor performance, behavior, and physiology. This integrative work bridges field observations with laboratory experiments to reveal how morphological adaptations influence survival strategies in natural ecosystems. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2020-2024) reveals persistent focus on locomotor biomechanics and host-parasite interactions, with increasing emphasis on ectoparasite impacts on sexual signaling in lizards and fatigue dynamics in locomotion. His work consistently features South Carolina ecosystems, particularly studies on spotted seatrout parasitism and Texas horned lizard conservation, demonstrating strong regional ecological relevance while contributing to broader theoretical frameworks in evolutionary morphology. Dr. McElroy mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers through his laboratory, with projects frequently involving student collaborators on topics like lizard locomotion and fish parasitology. His research program receives support from ecological and conservation-focused funding sources, though specific grant details are not provided in available materials. The McElroy Lab operates within the Rita Hollings Science Center and collaborates with regional conservation agencies and academic institutions. Current projects involve multi-institutional teams studying parasite-host dynamics in coastal species and functional morphology applications for wildlife management, with particular attention to anthropogenic impacts on native species.

Andrew M. ShedlockView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genomics
• Marine Biology
• +3 more

Andrew M. Shedlock is an Associate Professor at the College of Charleston with dual affiliations in the Graduate Program in Marine Biology and Graduate Program in Environmental Studies, plus cross-appointment to the MUSC College of Graduate Studies. Based at the Hollings Marine Laboratory in James Island, South Carolina, he leads a research program focused on evolutionary genomics of marine vertebrates through the Shedlock Lab. His educational background includes: Ph.D. from the University of Washington M.S. from the University of Washington B.S. from Cornell University Dr. Shedlock's research integrates genome annotation, transcriptomics, and population-scale genomic variation to investigate evolutionary mechanisms driving biological complexity and diversity, with special emphasis on marine vertebrates. His lab develops predictive frameworks for environmental science and public policy through comparative genomic approaches, spanning conservation genetics, biodiversity management, and adaptive evolution in challenging ecosystems. His publication record reveals consistent focus on comparative genomics across 20 years, with signature contributions in reptile, turtle, and marine mammal genomics. The work demonstrates expertise in phylogenomics, adaptive potential assessment, and forensic applications of genomics, frequently appearing in high-impact journals with multiple cover articles highlighting methodological innovations. Dr. Shedlock teaches foundational and advanced courses including Concepts and Applications in Biology, Molecular Biology, Marine Tetrapod Biology, Comparative Genomics, and Conservation Genetics and Genomics. He actively mentors students through Freshman Research Rotations and Capstone projects, integrating data science with biological inquiry. The Shedlock Lab operates from specialized facilities at the Hollings Marine Laboratory, leveraging collaborative infrastructure with NOAA and South Carolina DNR to conduct field and computational genomics research. The lab maintains strong interdisciplinary connections across marine science, environmental policy, and computational biology domains.