Jonathan H Pérez

Dr. Jonathan H Pérez is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at the University of South Alabama. He holds a PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of California, Davis, and a BA in Biology from Amherst College. His research focuses on understanding how organisms detect and respond to environmental cues, particularly light, to regulate seasonal timing, migration, and reproduction. He leads a research group exploring mechanisms of seasonal timing, biological rhythms, neuroendocrinology, stress physiology, and organism-environment interactions.

His work combines observational studies, experimental manipulations, and molecular analyses to address how animals adapt to environmental changes. Key projects include studying light’s role in avian migration and breeding, the effects of early-life light exposure on development, and stress responses in Arctic-breeding birds. He teaches courses in Animal Physiology, Animal Behavior, and Ornithology.

Dr. Pérez collaborates widely and has published extensively on topics like photoreception mechanisms, Arctic bird ecology, and stress physiology. His lab is actively seeking undergraduate and MS students. Offices are located in LSCB 133 (office) and LSCB 130/013 (lab).