- Profile
Erich Jarvis is a professor and the director of field research for the Center for Ethology and Ecology at The Rockefeller University, where his research area is in neurogenetics of vocal learning and language in animal models and humans. He contributes to conservation research generating high-quality genomic data of many species for the community and developing transgenic methods for birds. In addition, Jarvis has been an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 2008, earning the prestigious appointment to pursue his research on the molecular neurobiology of behavior.
Before pursuing a career in science, Erich studied dance at the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan. He turned down an audition with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to study at Hunter College, where he received a BA in biology and mathematics. Jarvis then continued his education at The Rockefeller University, earning a PhD in animal behavior and molecular neurobehavior.
After completing postdoctoral work at Rockefeller, Jarvis joined the faculty of Duke University, where he spent 18 years, ultimately rising to become a full professor. During that time, his work was recognized with numerous industry awards. In 2017, Jarvis returned to Rockefeller University, joining the faculty as a professor. He heads up three labs under the Jarvis Laboratories umbrella: the Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, the Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, and the Rockefeller University Field Center Laboratory.