Michael Baltzley

Michael Baltzley is a Professor in the Biology Department at Western Oregon University since 2011. His roles include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, advising students in Aquarium Science, Neuroscience minors, and Interdisciplinary Science programs, and conducting research in collaboration with student researchers. He teaches courses such as Principles of Biology I, Cell Biology, Comparative Animal Physiology, Neurobiology, and Invertebrate Zoology.

Education & Early Career: Baltzley began his academic journey as an undergraduate research assistant at Penn State's Mueller Laboratory in 1995.

Research Interests: His research focuses on animal behavior, neurobiology, and physiology, often involving student collaborators. Topics include snail locomotion, nervous systems of invertebrates (snails, slugs, leeches), fruit fly behavior, crayfish behavior, and snail gut microbiota. These studies bridge behavioral ecology, neurophysiology, and organismal biology.

Awards & Grants: No specific awards or grants are mentioned in the provided text. His research has been student-driven, with projects supported through academic institutional frameworks.

Lab & Current Status: While on sabbatical in the current year, Baltzley maintains contact via email (baltzlem@wou.edu). Office hours are irregular due to his academic leave. His work continues to emphasize collaborative research with students, leveraging his expertise in comparative physiology and neurobiology.