Diego Bernal

Diego Bernal is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. He teaches courses such as Animal Diversity, Animal Physiology, Biology of Sharks, and Environmental Physiology of Marine Organisms.

• PhD in Marine Biology (2002), Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego
• MS in Marine Biology (2000), Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego
• BS in Biological Oceanography (1995), Universidad Autonoma de Baja California

His research focuses on fish biology, comparative physiology, and ecological responses to environmental stressors like angling and temperature changes. He studies muscle performance, cardiac function, and homeostasis disruption in pelagic and deep-sea species.

Recent publications highlight invasive lionfish ecology, shark conservation challenges, and cardiovascular adaptations in Greenland sharks. These works span marine conservation, biomechanics, and fisheries science.

• $199,995 NOAA grant for post-release mortality studies in shortfin mako sharks

He advises senior-level students and contributes to undergraduate and graduate programs (Biology BS, Marine Biology BS, Integrative Biology MS, PhD). His lab investigates thermal ecology, movement patterns, and stress responses in marine organisms.