W. James Cooper

Dr. W. James Cooper is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Western Washington University, with a joint appointment in the Marine and Coastal Science program. He holds a PhD from the University of Chicago and previously served as faculty at Washington State University. His research focuses on evolutionary developmental biology, integrating studies of fish feeding mechanics, skull development, and ecological diversification. Key areas include the role of developmental constraints in evolution, the interplay between genetics and biomechanics, and the use of zebrafish as model organisms.

Education: BS and MS from Florida State University (1991, 2000), PhD from University of Chicago (2006), postdoctoral training at Syracuse University (2007-2011).

Research interests span Evo-Devo studies, cranial morphogenesis, and the evolutionary drivers of trophic niche specialization. His lab employs techniques such as morphometric analyses, high-speed videography, and molecular genetics to explore how developmental processes shape evolutionary trajectories. Recent work emphasizes larval fish in the Salish Sea and experimental models of zebrafish development.

Advising and mentoring include undergraduate and graduate students, with notable contributions to collaborative projects on damselfish phylogeny and cichlid skull evolution. His research has been published in journals like Evolution & Development, Journal of Experimental Biology, and Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.

Labs/Teams: Cooper Lab at WWU, focusing on integrative approaches to Evo-Devo and marine science. Ongoing collaborations include work on thyroid hormone regulation in zebrafish and comparative studies of fish diversification.