I am interested in how animals work. I teach courses in coral reef biology, animal behavior, animal physiology, neurobiology, and human evolution.

For many years, I studied amphibian physiological ecology. But 15 years ago I learned to scuba dive and I became very interested in coral reef biology. My research is devoted to the study of physiological and behavioral ecology of animals with particular emphasis on the responses of animals to environmental stresses. Any insights that we can gain into the ecological requirements of a species benefit us all. Perhaps the insights seem small, but we may not be able to anticipate how those insights will come to form a crucial piece of the biodiversity puzzle in the future.

Frequently, I run a coral reef biology course that is held in the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman. Students learn to scuba dive and to participate in ongoing research on coral reef fish diversity. See video from recent course.

Current Research

• Will sea urchins adapt to global climate change
• Newt evolution and the chemistry of ponds
• Fungal-like infections in newts

Cool Links About Animal Diversity

• Tree of life
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System
• Betsy's animal diversity ppt
• Nature/explorer
• University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
• University of California Museum of Paleontology

Evolution in America

• Union of Concerned Scientists
• Scientific Integrity
• Statement on Evolutionary Biology from President of the National Academies of Sciences
• Political Interference in Science
• Judge Jones Opinion on teaching intelligent design in Dover, Pennsylvania schools
• National Academies of Sciences
• Science and Creationism: A View from the National Academy of Sciences