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Sonke Johnsen

Ida Stephens Owens Distinguished Professor
Biology
Duke Box 90338, Durham, NC 27708-0338
301 Bio Sci Bldg, Durham, NC 27708

Selected Grants


Decoding invisibility: from genome evolution to tissue optical properties in transparent fish

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by International Human Frontier Science Program Organization · 2024 - 2027

Optimal summation for maximum identification range of targets and the biophotonics of targets with ultralow reflectance

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Air Force Research Laboratory · 2025 - 2027

Collaborative Research: Visual adaptations in hydrothermal vent shrimp and the role in feeding modalities and habitat selection

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2022 - 2026

Magnetoreception in Marine Animals and Bio-Inspired Algorithms for Long-range, GPS-free Navigation

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2020 - 2025

Persistent Aquatic Living Sensors Analysis and Support Services

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Northrop Grumman Corporation · 2018 - 2023

The International Human Frontier Science Program Organization

FellowshipPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by International Human Frontier Science Program Organization · 2018 - 2022

Long-range Geomagnetic Navigation in Sea Turtles: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Localizing Magnetite-based Biological Magnetoreceptors

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2014 - 2020

The Sigsbee Deep Expedition- Exploration of light in the water column below 1000m

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · 2017 - 2020

Cleaner Shrimp and Client Fish: Combining Phylogenetics and Visual Ecology to Understand the Evolution of Mutualistic Interactions

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Geographic Society · 2015 - 2016

Bioluminescence in the Deep-sea Benthos II

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Nova Southeastern University · 2015 - 2015

Collaborative Research: Midwater animal models: Optical measurement of metabolic transitions in transparent pelagic biota

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2009 - 2013

Operation Deep-Scope 2007: Characterization of cliff ecosystems using new technologies

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · 2007 - 2009

Collaborative Research: Transparency: Ultrastructural and biochemical specialization in muscular and ocular tissues

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2005 - 2009

Selective Invisibility Based on the Differing Temporal Resolutions of Sea Turtles and Billfish Under Low Light Conditions

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · 2005 - 2006

Mathematical Model of the Visual Abilities of Sea Turtles and Pelagic Fishes

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · 2003 - 2003

External Relationships


  • Company of Biologists
  • Lund university
  • Princeton University Press
  • zoological lighting insitute

This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported outside activities with the companies, institutions, or organizations listed above. This information is available to institutional leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts of interest.