Biography
Dr. Grant first became interested in ecology while studying biology as an undergraduate at Messiah College in 1999. After completing his B.S. in 2002, he earned a M.S. from Penn State in Fisheries Science in 2005. He then went on to earn a Ph.D. from Penn State for his research on Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation and cycling in aquatic ecosystems. Prior to his arrival at Juniata in 2006, he worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service while conducting ecological research focused on the re-establishment of native brook trout. Dr. Grant believes exposing students to hands on research is one of the best ways to engage them in the learning process. He involves active research topics in all classes he teaches; which include introductory biology courses, writing courses for biologists, and upper level field ecology and methods courses. Dr. Grant's research explores biological, ecological, and toxicological processes that center around freshwater aquatic ecosystems. The Grant Lab is especially interested in trophic dynamics, and the bioaccumulation of mercury in remotely located stream ecosystems. Dr. Grant's research involves numerous students throughout the semesters and summers, and is funded by a number of federal and state partners and private foundations such as the Colcom Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.