J. Curtis Creighton

J. Curtis Creighton, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biological Sciences and Department Chair at Purdue University Northwest (PNW), located in Indiana. He holds an affiliation within the College of Engineering and Sciences. His research focuses on the evolution of animal behavior, particularly how social environments influence life history traits, with a notable emphasis on the endangered American Burying Beetle. Creighton has led research projects since the 1990s, contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts through field and lab experiments.

Creighton is deeply committed to student mentorship, guiding undergraduate and graduate researchers at PNW and collaborating with doctoral students from Purdue West Lafayette. He emphasizes hands-on research training, requiring students to draft proposals and engage in grant-writing processes to foster independence. His lab promotes teamwork, pairing graduate students with undergraduates to prepare them for academic and professional careers.

Creighton has secured grants, including support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and prioritizes student involvement in all phases of research—from data collection to analysis and publication. He advocates for PNW’s collaborative environment, highlighting opportunities for close faculty-student interaction.