معرفی
Stacey Weiss is Professor and Associate Chair of Biology at University of Puget Sound, holding the William L. McCormick Professorship in Natural Sciences. Her research in behavioral and microbial ecology examines animal communication signals, reproductive behavior, and host microbiomes in lizards, with fieldwork conducted in Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains.
Research focuses on female-specific ornamentation as signals of quality, microbial protection of eggs against pathogens, and lizard responses to environmental stressors. Notable findings include the role of maternal microbes in preventing fungal infections in eggs.
Her publications reveal sustained focus on lizard ecology, spanning microbial symbiosis, chemical signaling, sexual selection, and environmental adaptation. Recent work investigates microbiome transmission, marine-subsidized populations, and pedagogical approaches.
Awards include the 2023 Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award for established research programs at undergraduate institutions. She mentors students through field research at the Southwestern Research Station, where projects integrate lab and field techniques.
The Weiss Lab investigates microbial protection mechanisms for unattended eggs, female ornamentation in sexual selection, and lizard chemical ecology. Work has expanded to include science education research on equitable participation in STEM.
