Morgan L. Vis

Morgan L. Vis is a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology at Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences, where they also serve as Associate Dean for Research, Faculty & Graduate Studies. Their research is affiliated with the Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies (OCEES), focusing on freshwater algal systematics and ecology.

Research Interests: Dr. Vis's work centers on the systematics, evolution, and ecological roles of freshwater red algae (Rhodophyta). They investigate algal biofilm communities as bioindicators of water quality, particularly in the context of stream remediation and ecosystem recovery. Their research integrates field studies with advanced molecular techniques, including DNA sequencing and high-throughput genomics.

Publications and Research Trends: Recent publications show a strong emphasis on taxonomic revisions, discovery of cryptic species, and the development of molecular tools for studying algal diversity. There is a clear trajectory toward integrating genomic data (organellar genomes, microsatellites, metabarcoding) with traditional morphological and ecological analyses, enhancing understanding of evolutionary relationships and ecosystem dynamics.

• Professional Service:
• Associate Editor, Journal of Phycology

Advising and Grants: Dr. Vis mentors graduate students in projects spanning algal systematics, phylogeography, and stream biofilm function. They collaborate with hydrogeologists and aquatic ecologists to assess the effectiveness of stream restoration efforts, contributing to interdisciplinary research on ecosystem recovery.

Labs and Teams: The research is conducted through a dedicated laboratory focused on freshwater algal systematics and ecology, part of the broader Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies (OCEES), fostering collaborative, multidisciplinary environmental research.