Susan Perkins (scientist)

Susan Perkins is a parasitologist and evolutionary biologist at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City. She is known for her research on the biodiversity, evolution, and biogeography of malaria parasites, particularly those infecting reptiles and birds. Her work combines fieldwork, molecular biology, and computational methods to understand the factors that shape the distribution and evolution of these parasites.

Perkins' research has contributed significantly to understanding the diversity of malaria parasites beyond those that infect humans. She has identified and described numerous new species of malaria parasites, and her work has helped to clarify the evolutionary relationships between different groups of these parasites. Her research also investigates the ecological and environmental factors that influence the transmission and distribution of malaria parasites in different geographic regions.

Her work frequently utilizes phylogenetic analysis, allowing for a better understanding of the evolutionary history of malaria parasites and their hosts. This approach helps trace the origins and spread of these parasites across different animal species and geographic locations.

Perkins is a curator in the Division of Invertebrate Zoology at the AMNH. She is also affiliated with the Richard Gilder Graduate School, where she mentors graduate students. She actively participates in scientific outreach and education, communicating her research findings to a wider audience.

Her publications can be found in numerous peer-reviewed scientific journals.