James H. Marden is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Biology at Eberly College of Science. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Vermont in 1988 and has been involved in various esteemed educational and research institutions. His research focuses on Functional Genomics, Physiology, and the Evolution of organisms, specifically exploring the genetic variation underlying traits that affect flight, dispersal, and life history in model systems such as butterflies. Marden's work involves assessing the effects of local population size on allelic diversity and pathogen resistance genes in trees, contributing to the understanding of eco-evolutionary dynamics. He has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Strickland Memorial Distinguished Lecturer in 2010 and the National Science Foundation Career Development Award in 1997.