Devin Bloom

Devin Bloom is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University, with a joint appointment in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, macroevolution, and the systematics of fishes, particularly marine and freshwater species in the Neotropics. He integrates phylogenetic comparative methods with fieldwork and lab techniques such as DNA sequencing and morphometrics to understand biodiversity patterns.

Education:

• Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto (2013)
• M.S., Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University (2007)
• B.S., Environmental Biology, Saint Mary's University (2004)

Research Interests:

• Evolutionary history and conservation of fishes
• Phylogenetic approaches to biodiversity genesis
• Ecological and evolutionary drivers of species diversification

The Bloom Lab investigates how ecological and evolutionary processes interact to shape fish diversity, emphasizing biogeographic and morphological diversity patterns. Current projects explore migratory adaptations, diadromy, and the role of niche conservatism in phenotypic evolution.

Labs/Teams: The Bloom Lab at Western Michigan University combines cutting-edge molecular techniques with extensive field studies, particularly in the Guiana Shield region, to address fundamental questions in evolutionary biology and conservation.