Andrew Swafford

Andrew Swafford is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on fungal biology, evolutionary cell biology, and sensory systems, particularly in chytrid fungi and GPCR evolution.

• University: University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Department: Biology
• Email: aswafford@umass.edu

His work explores the evolutionary origins of sensory systems, including opsin evolution and light-induced stress, as well as cellular mechanisms like actin networks and microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics in fungi.

Recent publications highlight advancements in fungal genetic transformation systems, NSF-funded studies on zoospore sensory-motor coordination, and evolutionary frameworks linking unicellular behavior to emergent traits.

Scientific Awards:

• NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology FY 2020