Cheryl L Morrison, Ph.D.
Cheryl Morrison is an emeritus Research Geneticist at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, National Fish Health Laboratory in Kearneysville, WV
Dr. Morrison applies genetic and genomic methods to study biodiversity, determine how species are classified, identify conservation units, and understand how invertebrates and invasive species move across ecosystems. A major part of this work focuses on documenting biodiversity and ecological connections in vulnerable deep-sea habitats along the U.S. continental slope—areas that remain poorly studied but are highly sensitive to both natural and human impacts. Another key area of research involves using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect important species, evaluate habitat conditions, and enhance understanding of food web dynamics.
Professional Experience
2026-present: Emeritus Research Geneticist, USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center
2013-2025: Supervisory Research Geneticist, USGS Leetown Science Center
2011-2013: Research Geneticist, USGS Leetown Science Center
2006-2010: Geneticist, USGS Leetown Science Center
2002-2006: Biologist, USGS Leetown Science Center
2000-2001: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary
1999-2000: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary
1997-1999: Post-doctoral Res
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 1997, Florida State University
B.S., 1991, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, Major: Marine Biology
Affiliations and Memberships*
2018-Present, Affiliate Faculty, Environmental Science and Policy Department, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
George Mason University 2018-2021
Honors and Awards
The U.S. Department of the Interior's Partnership Conservation Award, 2007 (Chemo III Study: Investigations of Chemosynthetic Communities on the Lower Continental Slope of the Gulf of Mexico)
The National Oceanographic Partnership Program’s Excellence in Partnering for 2011 (Lophelia II Study: Exploration and Research of Northern Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Natural and
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 50
Deepwater Program: Studies of Gulf of Mexico lower continental slope communities related to chemosynthetic and hard substrate habitats Deepwater Program: Studies of Gulf of Mexico lower continental slope communities related to chemosynthetic and hard substrate habitats
This report summarizes research funded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) on the ecology of deep chemosynthetic communities in the Gulf of Mexico. The research was conducted at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE; formerly Minerals Management Service) to
Authors
Steve W. Ross, Amanda W.J. Demopoulos, Christina A. Kellogg, Cheryl L. Morrison, Martha S. Nizinski, Cheryl L. Ames, Tara L. Casazza, Daniel Gualtieri, Kaitlin Kovacs, Jennifer P. McClain, Andrea M. Quattrini, Adela Y. Roa-Varon, Andrew D. Thaler
Genetic discontinuity among regional populations of Lophelia perfusa in the North Atlantic Ocean Genetic discontinuity among regional populations of Lophelia perfusa in the North Atlantic Ocean
Knowledge of the degree to which populations are connected through larval dispersal is imperative to effective management, yet little is known about larval dispersal ability or population connectivity in Lophelia pertusa, the dominant framework-forming coral on the continental slope in the North Atlantic Ocean. Using nine microsatellite DNA markers, we assessed the spatial scale and...
Authors
Cheryl L. Morrison
Genetic discontinuity among regional populations of Lophelia pertusa in the North Atlantic Ocean Genetic discontinuity among regional populations of Lophelia pertusa in the North Atlantic Ocean
Knowledge of the degree to which populations are connected through larval dispersal is imperative to effective management, yet little is known about larval dispersal ability or population connectivity in Lophelia pertusa, the dominant framework-forming coral on the continental slope in the North Atlantic Ocean. Using nine microsatellite DNA markers, we assessed the spatial scale and...
Authors
C.L. Morrison, Steve W. Ross, M.S. Nizinski, S. Brooke, J. Jarnegren, R.G. Waller, Robin L. Johnson, T.L. King
Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Coral Ecosystem Studies, 2008-2011 Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Coral Ecosystem Studies, 2008-2011
Most people are familiar with tropical coral reefs, located in warm, well-illuminated, shallow waters. However, corals also exist hundreds and even thousands of meters below the ocean surface, where it is cold and completely dark. These deep-sea corals, also known as cold-water corals, have become a topic of interest due to conservation concerns over the impacts of trawling, exploration...
Authors
Christina A. Kellogg
Characterization of 13 microsatellite loci for the deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus 1758), from the western North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico Characterization of 13 microsatellite loci for the deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus 1758), from the western North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
A suite of 13 polymorphic tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated from the ahermatypic deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa. Among 51 individuals collected from three disjunct oceanic regions, allelic diversity ranged from six to 38 alleles and averaged 9.1 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 9.1 to 96.8% and averaged 62.3% in the Gulf of Mexico...
Authors
C.L. Morrison, M.S. Eackles, Robin L. Johnson, T.L. King
Alvin explores the deep northern Gulf of Mexico Slope Alvin explores the deep northern Gulf of Mexico Slope
Many of the world's productive deepwater hydrocarbon basins experience significant and ongoing vertical migration of fluids and gases to the modern seafloor. These products, which are composed of hydrocarbon gases, crude oil, formation fluids, and fluidized sediment, dramatically change the geologic character of the ocean floor, and they create sites where chemosynthetic communities...
Authors
Harry H. Roberts, R. Carney, M. Kupchik, Charles R. Fisher, S Kim Nelson, Erin Becker, Liz Goehring, Stephanie Lessard-Pilon, Guy Telesnicki, Bernie Bernard, James M. Brooks, Monika Bright, Erik E. Cordes, S. Hourdez, Jesse Hunt, William Shedd, Gregory Boland, Samantha B. Joye, V. Samarkin, M. Bernier, M. Bowler, Ian R. MacDonald, H. Niemann, Cindy Petersen, Cheryl Morrison, J.R. Potter
Exploration of the deep Gulf of Mexico slope using DSV Alvin: Site selection and geologic character Exploration of the deep Gulf of Mexico slope using DSV Alvin: Site selection and geologic character
The Gulf of Mexico is well known for its hydrocarbon seeps, associated chemosynthetic communities, and gas hydrates. However, most direct observations and samplings of seep sites have been concentrated above water depths of approximately 3000 ft (1000 m) because of the scarcity of deep diving manned submersibles. In the summer of 2006, Minerals Management Service (MMS) and National...
Authors
Harry H. Roberts, C.R. Fisher, J.M. Brooks, Bernie Bernard, R.S. Carney, Erik E. Cordes, William Shedd, Jesse Hunt, Samantha B. Joye, Ian R. MacDonald, Cheryl Morrison
Phylogeographic analyses suggest multiple lineages of Crystallaria asprella (Percidae: Etheostominae) Phylogeographic analyses suggest multiple lineages of Crystallaria asprella (Percidae: Etheostominae)
The crystal darter, Crystallaria asprella, exists in geographically isolated populations that may be glacial relicts from its former, wide distribution in the Eastern U.S. An initial phylogeographic survey of C. asprella based upon the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene indicated that there were at least four distinct populations within the species: Ohio River basin, Upper...
Authors
Cheryl Morrison, David P. Lemarie, R.M. Wood, T.L. King
Comprehensive genetic analyses reveal evolutionary distinction of a mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) proposed for delisting from the US Endangered Species Act Comprehensive genetic analyses reveal evolutionary distinction of a mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) proposed for delisting from the US Endangered Species Act
Zapus hudsonius preblei, listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA), is one of 12 recognized subspecies of meadow jumping mice found in North America. Recent morphometric and phylogenetic comparisons among Z. h. preblei and neighbouring conspecifics questioned the taxonomic status of selected subspecies, resulting in a proposal to delist the Z. h. preblei from the ESA...
Authors
Tim L. King, John F. Switzer, Cheryl L. Morrison, Michael S. Eackles, Colleen Young, Barbara A. Lubinski, Paul M. Cryan
Wild and aquaculture populations of the eastern oyster compared using microsatellites Wild and aquaculture populations of the eastern oyster compared using microsatellites
Five new microsatellite markers were developed for the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), and allelic variability was compared between a wild Chesapeake Bay population (James River) and a hatchery strain (DEBY???). All loci amplified readily and demonstrated allelic variability with the number of alleles ranging from 16 to 36 in the wild population and from 11 to 19 in the DEBY...
Authors
J. Carlsson, C.L. Morrison, K.S. Reece
Molecular identification of cypripedioid orchids in international trade Molecular identification of cypripedioid orchids in international trade
Two cypripedioid orchid genera, Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium, are listed in Appendix I of CITES and are restricted from international trade. Because of their morphological similarity to other genera, however, they may be disguised as belonging to one of the other cypripedioids listed along with other orchids in Appendix II of CITES. Sequence analysis was performed on the internal...
Authors
Cheryl Morrison, Katie Hovatter, Michael S. Eackles, A.P. Spidle, T.L. King
Non-USGS Publications**
Duffy, J.E., Morrison, C.L., and Rios, R., 2000, Multiple origins of eusociality among sponge-dwelling shrimps (Synalpheus): Evolution v. 54, no 2, p. 503-516.
Morrison, C.L., Harvey, A.W., Lavery, S., Tieu, K., Huang, Y., and Cunningham, C.W., 2002, Mitochondrial gene rearrangements confirm parallel evolution of the crab-like form: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B v. 269, no. 1489, p. 345-350. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2001.1886
Duffy, J.E., Morrison. C.L., and Macdonald, K., 2002, Colony defense, division of labor, and productivity in the eusocial shrimp Synalpheus regalis: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology v. 51, p. 488-495. DOI: 10.1007/s00265-002-0455-5
Morrison, C.L., Duffy, J.E., and Rios, R., 2004, Phylogenetic hypothesis suggests rapid radiation of Caribbean sponge-dwelling snapping shrimps (Synalpheus): Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, v. 30, p. 563-581. DOI: 10.1016/s1055-7903(03)00252-5
Carlsson, J., Morrison, C.L., and Reece, K.S., 2006, A wild population and aquaculture strain of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) compared using microsatellite markers: Journal of Heredity, v. 97, no. 6, p. 595-598. DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esl034
Hare, M.P., Allen, S.K., Bloomer, P., Camara, M.D., Carnegie, R.B., Murfree, J., Luckenbach, M., Meritt, D., Morrison, C.L., Paynter, K., Reece, K.S., and Rose, C., 2006, A genetic test for recruitment enhancement after supplementation with a disease tolerant oyster strain (Crassostrea virginica) in Chesapeake Bay: Conservation Genetics, v. 7, no. 5, p. 717-734. DOI: 10.1007/s10592-005-9108-3
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Filter Total Items: 13
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 50
Deepwater Program: Studies of Gulf of Mexico lower continental slope communities related to chemosynthetic and hard substrate habitats Deepwater Program: Studies of Gulf of Mexico lower continental slope communities related to chemosynthetic and hard substrate habitats
This report summarizes research funded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) on the ecology of deep chemosynthetic communities in the Gulf of Mexico. The research was conducted at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE; formerly Minerals Management Service) to
Authors
Steve W. Ross, Amanda W.J. Demopoulos, Christina A. Kellogg, Cheryl L. Morrison, Martha S. Nizinski, Cheryl L. Ames, Tara L. Casazza, Daniel Gualtieri, Kaitlin Kovacs, Jennifer P. McClain, Andrea M. Quattrini, Adela Y. Roa-Varon, Andrew D. Thaler
Genetic discontinuity among regional populations of Lophelia perfusa in the North Atlantic Ocean Genetic discontinuity among regional populations of Lophelia perfusa in the North Atlantic Ocean
Knowledge of the degree to which populations are connected through larval dispersal is imperative to effective management, yet little is known about larval dispersal ability or population connectivity in Lophelia pertusa, the dominant framework-forming coral on the continental slope in the North Atlantic Ocean. Using nine microsatellite DNA markers, we assessed the spatial scale and...
Authors
Cheryl L. Morrison
Genetic discontinuity among regional populations of Lophelia pertusa in the North Atlantic Ocean Genetic discontinuity among regional populations of Lophelia pertusa in the North Atlantic Ocean
Knowledge of the degree to which populations are connected through larval dispersal is imperative to effective management, yet little is known about larval dispersal ability or population connectivity in Lophelia pertusa, the dominant framework-forming coral on the continental slope in the North Atlantic Ocean. Using nine microsatellite DNA markers, we assessed the spatial scale and...
Authors
C.L. Morrison, Steve W. Ross, M.S. Nizinski, S. Brooke, J. Jarnegren, R.G. Waller, Robin L. Johnson, T.L. King
Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Coral Ecosystem Studies, 2008-2011 Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Coral Ecosystem Studies, 2008-2011
Most people are familiar with tropical coral reefs, located in warm, well-illuminated, shallow waters. However, corals also exist hundreds and even thousands of meters below the ocean surface, where it is cold and completely dark. These deep-sea corals, also known as cold-water corals, have become a topic of interest due to conservation concerns over the impacts of trawling, exploration...
Authors
Christina A. Kellogg
Characterization of 13 microsatellite loci for the deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus 1758), from the western North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico Characterization of 13 microsatellite loci for the deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus 1758), from the western North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
A suite of 13 polymorphic tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated from the ahermatypic deep-sea coral, Lophelia pertusa. Among 51 individuals collected from three disjunct oceanic regions, allelic diversity ranged from six to 38 alleles and averaged 9.1 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 9.1 to 96.8% and averaged 62.3% in the Gulf of Mexico...
Authors
C.L. Morrison, M.S. Eackles, Robin L. Johnson, T.L. King
Alvin explores the deep northern Gulf of Mexico Slope Alvin explores the deep northern Gulf of Mexico Slope
Many of the world's productive deepwater hydrocarbon basins experience significant and ongoing vertical migration of fluids and gases to the modern seafloor. These products, which are composed of hydrocarbon gases, crude oil, formation fluids, and fluidized sediment, dramatically change the geologic character of the ocean floor, and they create sites where chemosynthetic communities...
Authors
Harry H. Roberts, R. Carney, M. Kupchik, Charles R. Fisher, S Kim Nelson, Erin Becker, Liz Goehring, Stephanie Lessard-Pilon, Guy Telesnicki, Bernie Bernard, James M. Brooks, Monika Bright, Erik E. Cordes, S. Hourdez, Jesse Hunt, William Shedd, Gregory Boland, Samantha B. Joye, V. Samarkin, M. Bernier, M. Bowler, Ian R. MacDonald, H. Niemann, Cindy Petersen, Cheryl Morrison, J.R. Potter
Exploration of the deep Gulf of Mexico slope using DSV Alvin: Site selection and geologic character Exploration of the deep Gulf of Mexico slope using DSV Alvin: Site selection and geologic character
The Gulf of Mexico is well known for its hydrocarbon seeps, associated chemosynthetic communities, and gas hydrates. However, most direct observations and samplings of seep sites have been concentrated above water depths of approximately 3000 ft (1000 m) because of the scarcity of deep diving manned submersibles. In the summer of 2006, Minerals Management Service (MMS) and National...
Authors
Harry H. Roberts, C.R. Fisher, J.M. Brooks, Bernie Bernard, R.S. Carney, Erik E. Cordes, William Shedd, Jesse Hunt, Samantha B. Joye, Ian R. MacDonald, Cheryl Morrison
Phylogeographic analyses suggest multiple lineages of Crystallaria asprella (Percidae: Etheostominae) Phylogeographic analyses suggest multiple lineages of Crystallaria asprella (Percidae: Etheostominae)
The crystal darter, Crystallaria asprella, exists in geographically isolated populations that may be glacial relicts from its former, wide distribution in the Eastern U.S. An initial phylogeographic survey of C. asprella based upon the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene indicated that there were at least four distinct populations within the species: Ohio River basin, Upper...
Authors
Cheryl Morrison, David P. Lemarie, R.M. Wood, T.L. King
Comprehensive genetic analyses reveal evolutionary distinction of a mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) proposed for delisting from the US Endangered Species Act Comprehensive genetic analyses reveal evolutionary distinction of a mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) proposed for delisting from the US Endangered Species Act
Zapus hudsonius preblei, listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA), is one of 12 recognized subspecies of meadow jumping mice found in North America. Recent morphometric and phylogenetic comparisons among Z. h. preblei and neighbouring conspecifics questioned the taxonomic status of selected subspecies, resulting in a proposal to delist the Z. h. preblei from the ESA...
Authors
Tim L. King, John F. Switzer, Cheryl L. Morrison, Michael S. Eackles, Colleen Young, Barbara A. Lubinski, Paul M. Cryan
Wild and aquaculture populations of the eastern oyster compared using microsatellites Wild and aquaculture populations of the eastern oyster compared using microsatellites
Five new microsatellite markers were developed for the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), and allelic variability was compared between a wild Chesapeake Bay population (James River) and a hatchery strain (DEBY???). All loci amplified readily and demonstrated allelic variability with the number of alleles ranging from 16 to 36 in the wild population and from 11 to 19 in the DEBY...
Authors
J. Carlsson, C.L. Morrison, K.S. Reece
Molecular identification of cypripedioid orchids in international trade Molecular identification of cypripedioid orchids in international trade
Two cypripedioid orchid genera, Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium, are listed in Appendix I of CITES and are restricted from international trade. Because of their morphological similarity to other genera, however, they may be disguised as belonging to one of the other cypripedioids listed along with other orchids in Appendix II of CITES. Sequence analysis was performed on the internal...
Authors
Cheryl Morrison, Katie Hovatter, Michael S. Eackles, A.P. Spidle, T.L. King
Non-USGS Publications**
Duffy, J.E., Morrison, C.L., and Rios, R., 2000, Multiple origins of eusociality among sponge-dwelling shrimps (Synalpheus): Evolution v. 54, no 2, p. 503-516.
Morrison, C.L., Harvey, A.W., Lavery, S., Tieu, K., Huang, Y., and Cunningham, C.W., 2002, Mitochondrial gene rearrangements confirm parallel evolution of the crab-like form: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B v. 269, no. 1489, p. 345-350. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2001.1886
Duffy, J.E., Morrison. C.L., and Macdonald, K., 2002, Colony defense, division of labor, and productivity in the eusocial shrimp Synalpheus regalis: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology v. 51, p. 488-495. DOI: 10.1007/s00265-002-0455-5
Morrison, C.L., Duffy, J.E., and Rios, R., 2004, Phylogenetic hypothesis suggests rapid radiation of Caribbean sponge-dwelling snapping shrimps (Synalpheus): Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, v. 30, p. 563-581. DOI: 10.1016/s1055-7903(03)00252-5
Carlsson, J., Morrison, C.L., and Reece, K.S., 2006, A wild population and aquaculture strain of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) compared using microsatellite markers: Journal of Heredity, v. 97, no. 6, p. 595-598. DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esl034
Hare, M.P., Allen, S.K., Bloomer, P., Camara, M.D., Carnegie, R.B., Murfree, J., Luckenbach, M., Meritt, D., Morrison, C.L., Paynter, K., Reece, K.S., and Rose, C., 2006, A genetic test for recruitment enhancement after supplementation with a disease tolerant oyster strain (Crassostrea virginica) in Chesapeake Bay: Conservation Genetics, v. 7, no. 5, p. 717-734. DOI: 10.1007/s10592-005-9108-3
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Filter Total Items: 13
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government