Julia A Clarke

Julia A Clarke is a Professor and Jackson Chair in Geobiology at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin. She holds the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor title and is a Fellow of the Peter T. Flawn Centennial Chair in Geology. Her research focuses on avian evolution, particularly the origins of flight, diving adaptations, and vocal organ development. Using phylogenetic methods and fossil analysis, her work integrates international collaborations and fieldwork in Antarctica, South America, and Asia. Clarke leads the Clarke Lab, which explores avian diversity through deep-time perspectives, combining anatomical, genetic, and geological data. She is also engaged in science education initiatives like the Geoscience Ambassadors program.

Her key achievements include discovering novel insights into penguin feather structure, reconstructing early bird vocal systems, and advancing understanding of Cretaceous Antarctic ecosystems. Awards and fellowships reflect her leadership in both research and education. Clarke’s field expeditions have yielded significant fossils, such as the Inkayacu paracasensis, which revealed feather pigmentation in ancient birds. She actively promotes STEM outreach and interdisciplinary research experiences for students.

• Research Focus: Avian evolution, phylogenetics, fossil morphology, vocal organ development.
• Key Projects: Antarctic Peninsula Paleontology Project, Clarke Lab collaborations in Peru/Chile.
• Education Initiatives: HHMI-funded programs, Geoscience Ambassadors.

Awards include the John A. and Katherine G. Jackson Chair in Geobiology and Peter T. Flawn Centennial Chair. Her work bridges evolutionary biology, geology, and education, with over 150 publications spanning paleontology, ornithology, and science communication.