Michael Pfrender

Biography

Michael Pfrender joined the University of Notre Dame in 2009. He is the Scientific Director of the Genomics & Bioinformatics Core Facility at Notre Dame Research. Michael serves as the Interim Department Chair and Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. His research lab, the Evolutionary & Ecological Genomics Lab, or PfrenderLab, is interested in a broad range of topics in the area of evolutionary and ecological genomics. Projects include investigation of the molecular genetic basis of adaptive traits and phenotypic plasticity, and the relationship between genetic diversity and ecosystem function. Understanding the impacts of alterations in natural ecosystems, and using this knowledge to predict future consequences and preserve biodiversity, is a major challenge for 21st-century biologists with direct relevance to human health and well-being. Michael received B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Michigan and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Oregon in 1998. Prior to coming to Notre Dame, Michael was an Associate Professor at Utah State University.

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Research and Teaching Highlights

• Interim Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 2026-present
• Associate Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 2020-present
• Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame 2018-present
• Director, Genomics & Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Notre Dame 2009-present
• Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame 2009-2018
• Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, Utah State University 2009-2018
• Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Utah State University 2007-2009
• Assistant Professor, Utah State University 2001-2007
• Postdoctoral Research Associate, Oregon State University 1998-2001
• Instructor, University of Oregon 1997-1998
• Graduate Teaching Fellow, University of Oregon 1992-1997
• Graduate Research Fellow, University of Michigan 1990-1992
• PhD, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 1998
• MS, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 1992
• BS, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 1988

To explore Michael Pfrender's research outcomes, visit GoogleScholar.