Jack O'Brien

Dr. Jack O'Brien is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at the University of South Alabama, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a B.A. in Biology from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

• Education:
  • B.A. Biology, Stanford University
  • Ph.D. Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara

His research focuses on ecological parasitology, particularly the biology of parasitic castrators like rhizocephalan barnacles. Key projects include studying chemical cues used by these barnacles to detect hosts, environmental factors influencing parasitism in Mobile Bay, and parasite diversity surveys in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and Brazil's Ubatuba Bay. He also investigates historical submarine technology, such as the Civil War-era H.L. Hunley, linking scientific inquiry to regional history.

Recent publications explore host-parasite interactions, larval settlement cues, and the ecological impacts of parasitic barnacles. His work bridges marine biology, parasitology, and historical technology studies.

Advising & Grants: Dr. O’Brien mentors graduate and undergraduate students in parasitology research. Notable advisees include Jason Herrmann (chemical cues in parasitic barnacles) and Amanda Church (parasite surveys in Alabama). His research has supported numerous student projects on topics like PCR detection of parasites and salinity effects on larval development.

Labs & Teams: Collaborates with institutions like the University of South Alabama’s Biology Department and international partners on parasite diversity studies. Integrates fieldwork and molecular techniques in his lab.