Jennifer L. Houtz, Ph.D.
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor of Biology
​Allegheny College
Email: jhoutz@allegheny.edu
Twitter/X: @JennHoutz

Download my CV here.

My name is Jenn Houtz, and I'm an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Allegheny College. I received my Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University, where I studied the gut microbiota as a mediator of phenotypic plasticity in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). My research interests include microbial ecology, stress physiology, behavioral ecology, ornithology, and neuroendocrinology. I broadly define myself as an integrative organismal biologist who is interested in physiological mediators of stress resilience in wild birds. As a first-generation student, I am also passionate about mentoring undergraduate researchers, teaching, and science outreach.

I received my B.S. in Animal Behavior from Millersville University, where I studied the development of gut microbiota in starlings and worked as an assistant on a project studying the social behavior of wire-tailed manakins in Ecuador.