Dr. Ray Fisher, Postdoc Researcher

I am an organismal biologist studying a fascinating group of arthropods – Parasitengona – which comprises velvet mites, chiggers, and water mites. My dissertation focuses on Torrenticola, a large genus of water mites that are among the most common invertebrates in North American streams. This project involves descriptive taxonomy, phylogenetic reconstruction, and expeditions to exciting parts of North America. I also study Erythraeidae, a terrestrial parasitengone group that is common, but highly understudied. A primary interest of mine is making taxonomic information more attractive and accessible to non-specialists and specialists alike. Therefore, at every opportunity, I take advantage of modern concepts of publication, imaging, and extending the web presence of my taxon of interest.

I consider myself a true naturalist with an unwavering curiosity for all forms of life. Through research and teaching, I hope to spread appreciation for the world around us. Contrary to the popular stereotype of taxonomy as “just describing species”, I have found it to be a vibrant discipline that investigates fundamental aspects of organisms including morphology, development, biogeography, evolution, and behavior