Brian Penney

Amazing biological diversity is everywhere: animals that can steal poisons and stinging cells from their prey, or are nearly immortal, or can punch so hard they leave a shockwave. Most people don’t seem aware of the amazing species in their own backyards. We want to change this. 

Our lab investigates conspicuous invertebrate animals, such as nudibranchs, seeking to tie anatomical structures to classification, ecology and natural history. Our tools are close observation, dissection, histology, and micro CT, which we translate to high quality renderings: drawing, comparative tables, or 3D models. These are disseminated through scholarly publications, teaching resources or public outreach. 

My research background includes work in insect chemical ecology, chemical and physical defenses, and lab and field studies on prey use.

Academic research: 

• The invasive nudibranch Doris pseudoargus: its diet, effect on the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and its color pattern
• Spicule networks of dorid nudibranchs, and how these can be used for classifying species. (Yes, these sea ‘slugs’ have a skeleton, which might seem a bit strange...).
• Tubercle structure in deepwater octopuses. For example, their pattern distinguishes Graneledone. boreopacifica from a close relative, but we have no idea what they are for.

Educational resources: 

• Lab modules on interpreting CT scans, kidney function, etc.
• Maintaining zoological collections (living and preserved) that are used in classrooms

Outreach

• Help with departmental recruiting efforts, Meelia events, etc.
• Building a lab web page to house resources
• Natural history guides