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 ecostystems.
Prior to his arrival at Juniata in 2006, he worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for four years while conducting ecological research focused on the re-establishment of native Salvelinus fontinallis (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, freshman writing for bio students, and an upper level field ecology and methods courses. Dr. Grant's research explores biological, toxicological, and ecological processes that center around freshwater aquatic ecosystems. He is especially interested in the Mercury (Hg) cycling, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in trophic systems of streams located in remote forested watersheds. His research involves numerous students throughout the semesters and summers, and is funded by the Colcom Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.