Heather Bracken-Grissom

Dr. Bracken-Grissom is an assistant director in the Institute of Environment and part of the leadership of the Coastlines and Oceans Division.

Research Areas

The Bracken-Grissom Lab is fundamentally interested in the evolution of marine invertebrates with an emphasis in decapod crustaceans. Specifically, our present research combines molecular, morphological and fossil evidence to gain insights into evolutionary relationships (phylogeny/phylogenomics), biogeography, biodiversity, ecology, origins and diversification of crabs, lobsters and shrimp. As part of this research, we have been developing and applying novel methods for DNA sequencing using next-generation technology. More recently, we have been exploring visual systems and structures involved in marine bioluminescence using deep-sea shrimp as model organisms.

Education

• PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• BS in Aquatic Science, University of California-Santa Barbara