Douglas J. Eernisse

Roles and Affiliations: Professor of Biology at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) since 2005. Previously held roles as Associate and Assistant Professor at CSUF, and positions at the University of Michigan, Friday Harbor Laboratories, and the Smithsonian Institution. Serves on editorial boards of journals like Zoomorphology and Evolution: Education and Outreach.

Education: Ph.D. in Biology from UC Santa Cruz (1984), B.A. in Zoology from University of Washington (1977).

Research Interests: Focuses on marine mollusks, particularly chitons, limpets, and seastars. Explores animal phylogeny, evolution of visual systems, molecular systematics, and biogeography. Recent work includes studies on chiton shell-eyes, cryptic species in mollusks, and phylogeography of marine organisms. Uses integrative approaches combining molecular genetics, anatomical studies, and field research.

Publications and Awards: Over 100 peer-reviewed publications, including work in Science, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, and Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. Recognized with an NSF grant (2014-2017) and a NESCent Sabbatical Fellowship (2006-2007). Honored through species naming (e.g., Loricella eernissei).

Teaching: Teaches courses like Field Marine Biology, Biogeography, and Genes & Genomes. Advises graduate and undergraduate students in systematics and molecular evolution labs. Involved in education outreach, including a course for K-12 teachers on teaching evolution.

Labs and Collaborations: Leads the Eernisse Lab at CSUF, focusing on mollusk systematics and phylogenomics. Collaborates internationally on projects like chiton phylogeny and Pacific oyster taxonomy. Maintains a fossil chiton database and contributes to malacological research networks.