Scott Santagata

Scott Santagata is an Associate Professor of Biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Long Island University (LIU-Post), where he also serves as Graduate Adviser for the Biology Department and as a member of the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Advisory Board. His research is conducted through The Santagata Lab, located in the Life Sciences Building.

Dr. Santagata's research focuses on the evolution, development, and ecology of aquatic invertebrates, particularly phoronids, brachiopods, and bryozoans. His work integrates molecular, morphological, and ecological approaches to study larval development, nervous system evolution, and phylogenetic relationships. He has a strong interest in enigmatic invertebrate lineages and their evolutionary origins within the Spiralia.

His recent publications reflect a shift toward molecular and genomic methods, especially transcriptomic analyses of Antarctic and subtropical bryozoans, to investigate molecular adaptations in extreme environments. These studies contribute to broader questions in polar biodiversity, evolutionary developmental biology, and marine biosecurity related to invasive species.

• Research Associate, Smithsonian Institution (2008–2011)
• Collaborator with Ken Halanych (Auburn University) and Andy Mahon (Central Michigan University) on Antarctic biodiversity projects
• Conducts field research at the Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce, Florida
• Participant in research at Friday Harbor Laboratories and USC Wrigley Institute

Scientific Awards:

• Lerner-Gray Grants for Marine Research

Dr. Santagata advises graduate students and has developed bioinformatics workflows shared through scientific workshops. His research has been supported by the NSF and other agencies, focusing on larval biology, phylogenetics, and molecular adaptations in marine invertebrates. He teaches a range of courses including Evolution, Developmental Biology, Invertebrate Zoology, and Advanced Microscopy at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

His laboratory investigates habitat-forming bryozoan communities in Antarctica, contributing to understanding ecosystem structure on the continental shelf. These 'reef-like' gardens support diverse invertebrate communities and serve as models for studying environmental adaptation and biodiversity.