Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D.
Cheryl Morrison is a Research Geneticist at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, National Fish Health Laboratory in Kearneysville, WV
Intro
Cheryl received a B.S. degree in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (1991) and her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Florida State University (1997). Since joining the USGS in 2002, her research has involved the application of conservation genetics and genomics techniques to species at risk. Cheryl has worked on a variety of species from aquatic habitats such as freshwater rivers (Atlantic salmon, darters and mussels), and vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems on the U.S. continental slope (deep-sea corals, cold seeps and canyons). Such deep-sea ecosystems remain poorly characterized yet are vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Studies of genetic connectivity among populations of dominant, habitat-forming coral species inform marine spatial planning for effective stewardship of natural resources.
Education
- Ph.D. 1997, Florida State University
- B.S., 1991, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, Major: Marine Biology
Current Position
Dr. Morrison is a principal investigator for multiple studies that aim to describe biodiversity, assess taxonomic status, define units of conservation, and determine dispersal pathways of marine invertebrates and invasive species. A focus of Dr. Morrison’s research has been the description of biodiversity and connectivity in vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems on the U.S. continental slope. Such ecosystems remain poorly characterized, yet are vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Studies of genetic connectivity among populations of dominant, habitat-forming coral species may inform marine spatial planning for effective stewardship of natural resources.
Professional Experience:
- 2006-2010: Geneticist, USGS Leetown Science Center
- 2002-2006: Biologist, USGS Leetown Science Center
- 2000-2001: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary
- 1999-2000: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary
- 1997-1999: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Duke University
Affiliations:
- 2018-Present, Affiliate Faculty, Environmental Science and Policy Department, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
Awards
- The U.S. Department of the Interior's Partnership Conservation Award, 2007 (Chemo III Study: Investigations of Chemosynthetic Communities on the Lower Continental Slope of the Gulf of Mexico)
- The National Oceanographic Partnership Program’s Excellence in Partnering for 2011 (Lophelia II Study: Exploration and Research of Northern Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Natural and
Science and Products
Characterization of 13 microsatellite loci for the deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus 1758), from the western North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
Exploration of the deep Gulf of Mexico slope using DSV Alvin: Site selection and geologic character
Alvin explores the deep northern Gulf of Mexico Slope
Phylogeographic analyses suggest multiple lineages of Crystallaria asprella (Percidae: Etheostominae)
Comprehensive genetic analyses reveal evolutionary distinction of a mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) proposed for delisting from the US Endangered Species Act
Wild and aquaculture populations of the eastern oyster compared using microsatellites
Molecular identification of cypripedioid orchids in international trade
Phylogenetic evidence for an ancient rapid radiation of Caribbean sponge-dwelling snapping shrimps (Synalpheus)
Glugea pimephales Fantham, Porter, and Richardson, 1941, n comb (Microporidia: Glugeidae) in the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Characterization of 13 microsatellite loci for the deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus 1758), from the western North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
Exploration of the deep Gulf of Mexico slope using DSV Alvin: Site selection and geologic character
Alvin explores the deep northern Gulf of Mexico Slope
Phylogeographic analyses suggest multiple lineages of Crystallaria asprella (Percidae: Etheostominae)
Comprehensive genetic analyses reveal evolutionary distinction of a mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) proposed for delisting from the US Endangered Species Act
Wild and aquaculture populations of the eastern oyster compared using microsatellites
Molecular identification of cypripedioid orchids in international trade
Phylogenetic evidence for an ancient rapid radiation of Caribbean sponge-dwelling snapping shrimps (Synalpheus)
Glugea pimephales Fantham, Porter, and Richardson, 1941, n comb (Microporidia: Glugeidae) in the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.