Melissa Hughes

Melissa Hughes is a Professor in the Biology department at the College of Charleston, teaching core courses including Cellular Biology, Evolution, Ornithology, and Animal Behavior labs. Her research integrates field and laboratory studies of animal communication, aggression, and territoriality across diverse taxa from songbirds to crustaceans.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. from Duke University
• B.A. from Bucknell University

Professor Hughes' research spans animal communication systems with emphases on honesty/deception in signals, weapon evolution in sexually dimorphic species, and individual behavioral plasticity (nonhuman 'personalities'). She actively investigates song dialect evolution in birds and crustacean territorial defense mechanisms, while also contributing to inclusive pedagogy and science education reform.

Her publication record shows consistent contributions to behavioral ecology, particularly in crustacean autotomy/regeneration and avian communication. Recent work increasingly addresses pedagogical challenges in animal behavior education, including pandemic-era teaching adaptations and student misconceptions about sex differences.

Her honors include:

• William V. Moore Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Award, College of Charleston (2020)
• Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Award, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (2003)
• Adrian M. Wenner “Strong Inference” Award, Division of Animal Behavior, SICB (1995)
• Excellence in Teaching Award, Zoology Department, Duke University (1993)

Professor Hughes teaches BIOL 650: Graduate Seminar in Behavioral Ecology, indicating graduate advising involvement, though specific students aren't listed in available materials. Research grant details aren't provided in current documentation.

Her primary research facility is the Grice Marine Laboratory (118-120), where she conducts experiments on snapping shrimp behavior and songbird communication using both field observations and controlled laboratory setups.