Biography
Cassandra Miller-Butterworth, Ph.D., an associate professor of Biology, teaches introductory and advanced biology courses including animal behavior, evolution, human genetics, and animal physiology.
Dr. Butterworth is known for bringing the natural world into the classroom in memorable, hands-on ways. Whether measuring full-scale models of the fossilized skull and skeleton of the hominin “Lucy” for her evolution class or hosting a reptile expert to let students handle live animals, she creates immersive learning experiences that turn abstract concepts into tangible, transformative moments.
Dr. Butterworth’s classes prepare students for a variety of career options including:
- Wildlife Biologist
- Conservation Scientist
- Zoologist
- Population geneticist
- Molecular ecologist
- University professor or lecturer
- Academic biological sciences research faculty
- Health professional
- Veterinarian or veterinary technician
- Endangered species recovery specialist
- Environmental consultant
- DNA analyst for wildlife or conservation applications
- Park Ranger
- High school biology teacher
- Science writer or journalist
- Museum or zoo education coordinator
- Zoo or aviary conservation program coordinator
- Genetic diversity manager for captive breeding programs
- Zookeeper or zoo curator
Research Interests
- Conservation genetics of threatened and endangered species
- Population genetics of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), especially related to white-nose syndrome
- Genetic diversity of African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus) in North American zoos
- Genetic diversity of a reintroduced population of bobcats (Lynx rufus) on Cumberland Island, Georgia
- Population genetics of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in Pennsylvania
- Taxonomic status of water shrews (Sorex palustris) in Pennsylvania
- Wildlife disease susceptibility and genetic variation in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Education
Ph.D. in Zoology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
B.Sc. (Honors) in Zoology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
B.Sc. in Zoology, University of Cape Town, South Africa