Professor Dr. Todd Lajeunesse

Biography

Todd C. LaJeunesse is the Wilson Hewitt Professor in the Eberly College of Science, with a research focus on evolutionary ecology and mutualistic symbioses, primarily coral-dinoflagellate associations. His work investigates the ecological and evolutionary processes that underpin biologically diverse coral reef ecosystems, which are threatened by climate change. With a B.S. from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, LaJeunesse’s research employs genetic-based approaches to explore biogeographic and phylogenetic patterns. He aims to understand how coral communities respond to climate warming and the role of the symbionts, specifically Symbiodinium, in addressing broader questions of microbial eukaryotic biodiversity. His current research topics include Biodiversity Biogeography, examining factors that drive biodiversity, and Functional Diversity of Host-Symbiont Partnerships, including how these interactions influence ecological outcomes and evolutionary processes.

Research Interests

Experience