Faculty
Yue Deng
BA, Mount Holyoke College. PhD, University of Chicago. Evolutionary biologist aiming to tell stories of how organisms evolve to occupy their most recent ecological niches and morphological forms. Special interest in macroevolution of clams (Bivalvia). Previously taught in the Geophysical Sciences department at University of Chicago as a Teaching Assistant. SLC, 2026–
Previous Courses
Biology
-
Open, Seminar—Fall
BIOL 3016
The ocean covers more than two-thirds of Earth’s surface today and has harbored the origin of life and the vast majority of life today. It is also profoundly transformed by environmental change, both past and present. This seminar will examine how marine communities have responded to the great disturbances of geological time: mass extinctions, intervals of rapid warming and cooling, ocean acidification, and changing ocean current systems. Students will refine their research, analytical, and writing skills by combining paleontological evidence and observations of the modern system. Interactive lectures and discussions in the beginning weeks will introduce shared background information. After that, each class meeting will start with a targeted lecture on a selected group of marine organisms or an event in Earth’s history, and will end with a student-led discussion on a primary research paper related to the target topic. Conference projects will center on a literature synthesis, hands-on data analysis, or research proposal on a relevant topic of choice. No background experience in biology is required.
Faculty