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DURHAM, N.C. – Juliet Wong, a rising star in the field of global change biology, will join the faculty at 91��������’s Nicholas School of the Environment as assistant professor of coastal and marine climate change, effective July 1.

Wong’s research focuses on how impacts from climate change, such as ocean acidification and warming, affect marine invertebrates. She uses a variety of physiological and molecular approaches to conduct her studies. Her research program will balance both basic and applied research projects to address major questions in climate change biology.

“Understanding the processes by which organisms respond to their changing environments is necessary if we are to make accurate predictions and informed decisions regarding conservation efforts, seafood safety and security, and many other challenges we face as climate change continues,” Wong said.

“Juliet’s focus on finding solutions, the innovative approaches she takes, and the interdisciplinary nature of her work make her a natural fit for our Marine Science and Conservation Division,” said Toddi Steelman, Stanback Dean of the Nicholas School. “We are thrilled that she will soon be joining our faculty at the 91�������� Marine Lab.”

“Juliet’s work, particularly her research on the consequences of climate change to ecologically important marine organisms such as corals and sea urchins, sets her apart as an extraordinary young scholar,” said Duke Marine Lab Director Andrew Read. “She will be an inspiring teacher and graduate mentor for our students and her research will expand our existing strengths in marine ecology and molecular biology.”

Wong comes to the Nicholas School from Florida International University, where she has been a National Science Foundation (NSF) Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biology since 2021 and was a Distinguished Postdoctoral Scholar in Biology for two years prior to that.

She earned her PhD in ecology, evolution, and marine biology in 2019 from the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and a Bachelor of Science in marine and atmospheric science in 2012 from the University of Miami.

Her doctoral research at UCSB was on the response of sea urchins during their early development stages to multiple stressors related to climate change.

She has been the recipient of numerous academic honors and fellowships, including an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and a University of California Regent’s Special Fellowship.

A prolific researcher, she already has 13 peer-reviewed papers, 14 conference presentations and two research grants to her credit. She also has amassed considerable experience as an instructor, having served as a teaching assistant or guest lecturer in eight university courses on zoology, genetics, biology, epigenetics, or earth and environmental sciences since 2013.

In addition to her research and teaching, Wong has mentored ten students, ranging from high schoolers to doctoral students, since 2013, and has helped organize or staff six educational outreach programs during that time.

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