Hochberg Laboratory for the Study of Invertebrate Diversity
Invertebrate animals are…
beautiful
diverse
ecologically important
economically important
and vastly underappreciated. Come join us in their discovery!
My laboratory is dedicated to the description and understanding of invertebrate biodiversity. Historically, the lab has focused on meiofaunal-sized aquatic animals such as gastrotrichs, rotifers, flatworms, and tardigrades, but we also work with terrestrial invertebrates such as scorpions, schizomids, ticks, and whipscorpions.
We used advanced microscopy to study whole animals and their organ systems to understand adaptation to specific environments and gain an appreciation for their evolutionary history. We regularly use Atomic Force MIcroscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, Scanning and Tranmission Electron Microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and (soon) Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy.
About me: Dr. Rick Hochberg
I am a professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. I teach zoology-themed courses such as Invertebrate Zoology, Metazoan Parasitology, and Parasitic Protozoology. I have been teaching at UML since 2005. Prior to that…
Postdoctoral Researcher, Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL. My PI was Dr. Jon Norenburg.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Australia. My PI was Dr. Lester Cannon.
Ph.D. Zoology, University of New Hampshire. My PI was Dr. Marianne K. Litvaitis..
M.S. Biology, Cal Poly Humboldt (HSU), CA. My PI was Dr. John D. DeMartini.
B.S. Marine Biology, Cal Poly Humboldt (HSU), CA
Education and Research
Education and Research are well integrated. My graduate students get opportunities to assist with collection of animals for teaching and research, and contribute to the labs I teach in zoology and parasitology. We work as a team to collect and analyze data, present at conferences, publish in high quality journals, and build the next generation of invertebrate biologosts.
Teaching about invertebrates is my passion
I began teaching as a Master’s student back in California. Back then, being a TA was mandatory, and I am thankful for the experience. I had great mentors at HSU including Dr. Gary Brusca and John D. DeMartini. I taught biology and zoology labs and had an amazing time. I quickly realized that the more I taught, the more I learnt, and the better appreciation I had for Earth’s biodiversity. It’s exciting to teach and learn at the same time, and I try to convey this excitement in each and every lecture. Sometimes I hit a home run and other times I strike out, but I never give up and never regret the opportunities to stand in front of a class and show off the beautiful animals that populate this planet.
My lab is open to undergraduates, MS, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers.
We strive for a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
While our focus may be on strange and curious invertebrates, we appreciate all animals and are willing to explore all species through collaboration with national and international experts.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
rick_hochbergatuml.edu
Phone
(978) 934-2885