Dr. Damon Ely

Hello, I'm Dr. Damon Ely and I've been a member of the Biology department since 2010. My fascination with the environment began in my home state of Maine, where I endlessly explored the many forests, fields, streams, and shores right outside my door. I've always found the ability of organisms to change in ways that ensure their survival and success in such diverse landscapes a true wonder of the natural world.

After earning my BS in Biology at the University of Maine, I studied the effects of disturbance and ecological succession on the secondary production of macroinvertebrates in headwater streams in the Appalachians, earning my MS in Entomology at the University of Georgia. For my PhD research at Virginia Tech, I asked how the legacy of acid rain deposition affects biogeochemical cycling and nitrogen processing in the streams of Shenandoah National Park.

I continue to enjoy teaching and interacting with my SUNY Orange students each day. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the classes we offer, or if you are interested in learning more about a career in biology.