My Story

Growing up on Long Island in New York, I was fascinated with life underwater. This deep interest eventually led me to study the biology of freshwater fishes from multiple continents in the disciplines of genetics, systematics, evolutionary biology, and conservation to name a few. My current research focuses on describing the taxonomic diversity of fishes of the subfamily Labeoninae, a group of great economic and cultural importance characterized by a bewildering array of oromandibular structures. I have taught at Warren Wilson since Fall 2018 and enjoy sharing my passion for fishes and biology in general to its students.

Education

  • B.A. in Animal Behavior, Bucknell University
  • M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Penn State University
  • Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Research Interests

  • Systematics of Asian freshwater fishes
  • Evolutionary ecology of fish coloration
  • Aquatic conservation

Courses Taught

  • BIO 2410: Invertebrate Zoology
  • BIO 3190: Biology of Fishes
  • BIO 4020: Evolutionary Biology

Crews and Other Activities

  • Assistant Editor, Journal of Fish Biology
  • Courtesy Adjunct Professor, Florida Museum of Natural History
  • Asian Society of Ichthyologists

Contact Dr. Ciccotto

828-771-3777
Morse 205
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