Edward I. Saiff

Edward I. Saiff is Professor of Biology and Dean of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he has been a faculty member since 1972. He earned his B.A. from Rutgers University (1964), M.A. from State University of New York at Buffalo (1968), and Ph.D. from Rutgers University (1973). Dr. Saiff has served in numerous leadership roles including Director of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science (1984-1993) and Dean (2011-present).

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in Biology, Rutgers University, 1964
• M.A. in Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1968
• Ph.D. in Zoology and Physiology, Rutgers University, 1973

Dr. Saiff's research primarily focuses on avian anatomy, particularly the middle ear structures across various bird taxa, representing a decades-long systematic investigation of avian skull morphology. His work spans ornithological systematics, vertebrate evolution, and biomechanics, with notable studies on chameleon locomotion. He has made significant contributions to understanding the comparative anatomy of Paleognathous and Neognathous birds, examining species from ostriches to falcons.

His publication record shows a consistent focus on middle ear anatomy across bird taxa, with research spanning from penguins (Sphenisciformes) in 1976 through Cariamiformes in 2011. This systematic approach to comparative avian anatomy represents one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind, documenting evolutionary patterns through detailed morphological analysis of the middle ear region across diverse avian lineages.

Among his notable honors:

• Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (1972)
• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1992)
• Elected Member, American Ornithologists Union (1984)
• Thomases Faculty Award, Ramapo College (1976)
• Multiple awards for contributions to the college community

Dr. Saiff has maintained active research collaborations throughout his career, including appointments as Visiting Scientist at the American Museum of Natural History (1968-present) and Research Associate at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (2001-present). His academic service includes directing the Biology Major at Ramapo (1975-1984, 1987-2006), serving as Faculty Consultant at Thomas Edison State College (1978-2006), and directing the Ramapo College Honors Program (2004-2006). He has also held clinical and visiting professorships at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Rutgers University.

His academic work extends beyond research to include extensive service on college committees and significant contributions to science education through book reviews for Science Books and Films, where he reviewed numerous publications on ornithology, herpetology, and general biology over several decades.