Todd Oakley

Todd Oakley is a Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EEMB) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He joined the faculty in 2003 and currently serves as Vice Chair of resources for EEMB, while also being a member of UCSB’s Marine Science Institute. His academic career includes a BS and MS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a PhD in Biological Sciences from Duke University, and an NIH-NRSA postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago.

His research focuses on the origins and evolution of complex traits, particularly visual systems and bioluminescence in marine invertebrates. The lab investigates four main paths: (1) the evolutionary origins of vision and light-interacting genes, (2) diversification of arthropod eye designs, (3) convergent evolution in mollusks like octopuses and chitons, and (4) genetic drivers of ecological interactions in algae relevant to biofuel production. Notable tools developed include the Osiris Galaxy workflow for phylogenomic analysis and the CoMET plug-in for character evolution modeling.

Dr. Oakley has advised over 17 students, including graduate and undergraduate researchers, many of whom have pursued postdoctoral or academic roles. His scientific contributions include the NIH-NRSA postdoctoral fellowship and over 119 peer-reviewed publications, often leveraging phylogenetics and genomics to address evolutionary questions. Collaborators include institutions like University of Chicago, UC-Davis, and international centers such as the University of Tartu and Museum Victoria. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining fieldwork, molecular techniques, and computational biology.