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 Dr. Jonathan Fingerut
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Office - Rm 221 Science Center
Research Lab - Rm 111 Science Center
Phone: (610) 660-1830
Email: jfingeru@sju.edu
Education:
- B.A. in Biology (1994), Cornell University, Ithaca NY
- Ph.D. in Biology (2003), University of California, Los Angeles
Professional Experience:
-Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (2003-2006)
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Adjunct Professor (2005-2006),
PhiladelphiaUniversity, Philadelphia, PA
- Assistant Professor (2006-present), Department of Biology
Saint Joseph‘s University, Philadelphia, PA
Courses Taught
Research Interests
Research in my laboratory focuses on the role of hydrodynamics and larval behavior in determining the spatial distribution of invertebrates in aquatic
systems. Though often poorly understood, flow can be one of the most important environmental factors determining these distributions.
Currently, we are studying larvae of the black fly Simulium tribulatum. Relying on fast flow for food, safety from predators, and transportation, this
aquatic life-stage of a terrestrial fly is particularly sensitive to hydrodynamic conditions in its stream habitat. Recent work has determined that the use of
silk threads, similar to those produced by spiders, can influence how these larvae are transported downstream. These threads not only increase their
ability to settle in regions of preferred fast flow, but may also facilitate emigration from regions with unsuitably slow flow. Future research will
determine how the silk is produced, used, and under what conditions it is most effective.
In a related study, my students and I are working to understand how differences in the shape and arrangement of objects that make up the
streambed can affect a larva‘s ability to settle. In both the field and in the laboratory, flow probes, video analysis and a specialized flume allow us to
quantify the conditions under which larvae settle, and determine how much an individual‘s behavior can influence that process. These projects will allow us
to predict how changes in the natural environment will affect invertebrate populations.
Publications:
Fingerut, J.T., Zimmer, C.A., R.K. Zimmer. 2003. Larval swimming overpowers turbulent mixing and facilitates transmission of a marine parasite. Ecology, 84: 2502- 2515
Fingerut, J.T., Zimmer,C.A., R.K. Zimmer. 2003. Patterns and processes of larval emergence in an estuarine parasite system. Biological Bulletin, 205: 110-120
Thomson, J.R., Clark B.D., Fingerut J.T., D.D. Hart. 2004. Local modification of benthic flow environments by suspension-feeding stream insects. Oecologia, 140: 533-542
Fingerut, J.T., Hart, D.D., J.N. McNair. 2006. Silk filaments enhance the settlement of stream insect larvae. Oecologia, 150:202-212
Zimmer, R.K., Fingerut J.T., Zimmer, C.A. 2008 Dispersal Pathways, Seed Rains, and the Dynamics of Larval Behavior. Ecology In press
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