Joseph A. Cook

Joseph A. Cook is a Professor and Curator of the Division of Mammals at the Museum of Southwestern Biology, affiliated with the Department of Biology at The University of New Mexico. He holds a Ph.D. from UNM (1990) and has dedicated his career to advancing biodiversity research through natural history collections. His work integrates molecular and morphological approaches to study conservation biology, evolutionary processes, and host-parasite interactions.

Research interests focus on biotic conservation, historical biogeography, and the natural history of subterranean mammals and island species. He leads initiatives like IsoBank (isotopic data repository) and advocates for global natural history infrastructure. Key projects include phylogeographic studies of small mammals, hantavirus ecology in Panama, and PFAS contamination assessments in Southwestern ecosystems.

Dr. Cook emphasizes the critical role of museum collections in predicting emerging pathogens and informing conservation strategies. His lab explores epigenetic mechanisms influencing longevity and collaborates on projects such as the oVert Thematic Collections Network to digitize vertebrate specimens. He actively promotes international solidarity for biodiversity research and ethical access to biological resources.

Recent work addresses climate-driven shifts in food webs, genetic diversity of Neotropical bats, and hybridization dynamics in Andean rodents. His interdisciplinary approach bridges ecology, genetics, and policy to address global challenges in biodiversity preservation and public health.