Dr. Jeff Morrissette is a Professor in the Department of Natural Sciences. A native of metro Detroit, he earned his B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan before completing his Ph.D. in Human Physiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995. His doctoral research focused on the biochemical and functional characterization of peptide toxins from scorpion venom.

Following his graduate studies, Dr. Morrissette conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station. There, he investigated the remarkable cardiovascular physiology of tunas and the specialized mechanisms of heat generation in the heater organs of marlins and swordfish, contributing to some of the earliest metabolic rate measurements in Bluefin tuna.

Dr. Morrissette joined the faculty at Lawrence Technological University in 2006, received tenure in 2012, and served as Chair of the Department from 2016 to 2022. He was instrumental in the university’s expansion into health sciences, serving as the principal faculty member to develop and launch degree programs in Biology, Nursing, and Physician Assistant Studies. His laboratory at LTU provides undergraduates with valuable hands-on experience across a variety of research topics. Currently, he is mentoring pre-dental students in a project investigating whether polyphenol-rich juices can reduce oral bacterial levels and improve dental hygiene.

Outside of his academic work, Dr. Morrissette is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for athletics and enjoys spending free time with his family.