Title: Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Texas at Austin, Department of Integrative Biology
Expertise: Conservation Paleontology, Herpetology, Morphology, Geometric Morphometrics, GIS, Ecometrics, and Climate Envelope Modeling
ORCID: 0000-0002-9422-9142
Involvement in NoCTURN: Open Science, Education and Outreach, Findability, Basic Applied Research, Accessibility
At the intersection of science, education, and community building, Dr. John Jacisin III stands out as a dedicated researcher and advocate for innovation and inclusivity in the scientific world. With a research career rooted in herpetology, conservation paleontology, and spatial science, Dr. Jacisin brings a wealth of experience, a deep passion for his field, and a commitment to positive change to every aspect of his work, from research to outreach.
Academic Background and Research Journey
Dr. Jacisin’s academic journey began with a BA in Geosciences with Honors and a minor in Paleontology at Albion College. There, he focused on Eocene reptiles from Wyoming for his undergraduate thesis. His interest in both ancient life and the environments that shaped it deepened as he moved on to a Master’s degree in Geosciences at the University of Oregon. His thesis on the morphology and phylogenetics of fossil and living newts, including Oligocene body fossils from Oregon, marked the start of his continued exploration of the ancient life forms that still shape our understanding of the natural world today.
His PhD research took him to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Earth and Atmospherics sciences and Texas A&M University, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology where he developed innovative methods in geometric morphometrics and ecometrics. His work on snake vertebrae and his assessment of the morphology of Western Massasauga populations set the stage for his further work using CT data to study the tempo and mode of Greater Antillean Anolis lizard ecomorph evolution through the lens of skeletocranial elements including working closely with UTCT to produce well over 500 scans of 88 species of anoles during his current postdoctoral position at the University of Texas at Austin (this relationship led to NoCTURN!).
Throughout his career, Dr. Jacisin has shown a unique ability to blend cutting-edge research techniques with a commitment to environmental and community-based science. His current fieldwork at Natural Trap Cave in Wyoming, which involves both herpetology and paleontology, showcases his hands-on approach to understanding the ancient and modern ecosystems that shape our planet’s biodiversity.
International Experience and Outreach
Dr. Jacisin’s expertise extends far beyond the lab, with a strong focus on education and international outreach. He was selected as a Fulbright Specialist, where he taught GIS and Remote Sensing certification courses at the International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education (ICARE) in Yerevan, Armenia. His involvement in teaching and mentoring students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, has been a key focus throughout his career. He has worked extensively with professional societies such as the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology to help advocate for better representation and inclusion within the scientific community.
His role in NoCTURN, while not a leadership position, is one of active engagement and contribution. Dr. Jacisin has provided valuable feedback for various committees and has collaborated on NoCTURN’s Open Science manuscript, which highlights the importance of open science in computed tomography. His efforts continue to support the development of future initiatives within the NoCTURN community.
A Passion for Inclusivity and Collaboration
Dr. Jacisin’s interdisciplinary approach to research stems from his desire to understand how organisms interact with their environments, both past and present. “I still employ a highly interdisciplinary research program and a variety of methods to reconstruct how organisms have, are, and will interact with their environments,” he says. For him, understanding the history of life on Earth is not just about studying fossils—it’s about understanding how those organisms, whether modern or ancient, have shaped and been shaped by the world around them.
This drive for collaboration and inclusion extends to his work with underrepresented groups. He has actively worked on issues of colonialism and representation in the geosciences, museums, and terrestrial ecology/paleobiology. He strongly believes in creating a better scientific community that prioritizes access, inclusion, and representation for all.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Outside of his academic work, Dr. Jacisin has an adventurous spirit. He recently “unretired” from competitive running and won a 40-mile trail ultramarathon in his return race. His love for the outdoors is evident not only in his fieldwork but also in his hobbies. He enjoys reading, watching sports, and, surprisingly, singing.
His passion for perseverance and excellence extends to every facet of his life, as demonstrated by his remarkable return to ultramarathon running and his continued commitment to improving the scientific community.
Advice for Emerging Researchers
“Every passion has its destiny.” This quote from Billy Mills, the 1964 Olympic 10,000m champion, is Dr. Jacisin’s favorite. He encourages emerging researchers to recognize the power of passion in driving their careers and to pursue their goals with courage and tenacity. “There are many paths and directions we can take in pursuit [of our passions], but with the courage to follow them, you will find that you have built your career and life around these passions,” he reflects.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Jacisin’s career is a testament to the value of curiosity, collaboration, and inclusivity in the scientific community. His work in conservation paleontology, herpetology, and spatial science has already made significant contributions to our understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary processes. But perhaps more importantly, his efforts to create a better, more inclusive scientific environment ensure that his impact will continue to be felt for years to come. He believes that “giving anything less than your best is sacrificing the gift, and we fail to give our best if we forget to do good”. Dr. Jacisin exemplifies this philosophy, both in his research and his involvement with NoCTURN. He looks forward to the continuation of NoCTURN’s efforts and is excited for the positive changes yet to come.