Career: investigating new frameworks for the physiology and functional significance of dermal photoreception in dynamic color change

The National Science Foundation Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences awarded the University of North Carolina at Wilmington $556,383 on August 15, 2026, for research investigating dermal photoreception and its role in dynamic color change in fishes under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074).

The research combines histology, spectroscopy, transcriptomics, electrophysiology, and behavioral experimentation to determine how dermal photoreceptors—light-sensing cells in fish skin—integrate with ocular vision to regulate color change. The project examines two color-changing fish species to establish whether the skin functions as a sensory system for environmental monitoring or for monitoring the animal's own coloration, and how this process informs the mechanisms controlling adaptive camouflage. Findings may advance bioinspired sensing, imaging, and autonomous materials technologies.

The award supports integrated workforce development combining original research experiences with commercialization training. Educational activities include a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) partnering with North Carolina Aquariums and the Biomimicry Institute, and collaboration with UNCW's Junior Seahawk Academy to expand STEM engagement among North Carolina middle school students.

Work is performed in Wilmington, North Carolina, with a period of performance from the award date through July 31, 2031. The assistance type is a Project Grant, structured as a CAREER award supporting early-career faculty development alongside research and education objectives.

Abstract

Dynamic color change allows animals such as certain marine fishes to rapidly change the color and pattern of their skin, yet scientists still do not understand how these animals gather and process the visual information needed to make color change decisions. Recent discoveries suggest that many color-changing animals can detect light with their skin, a process known as dermal photoreception, which may work alongside the eyes to regulate color change. This project will investigate how dermal photoreception contributes to color change in fishes and whether the skin acts as a sensory system for monitoring the environment or the animal?s own coloration. By uncovering the mechanisms controlling light sensing and adaptive camouflage, the project may inform future technologies related to bioinspired sensing, imaging, and autonomous materials. This project will attract and train the next generation of integrative biologists by combining original research experiences with commercialization training, as well as strategic opportunities in professional development. With an integrated educational program, this project will connect undergraduate students and public partners via a course-based undergraduate research experience (cure) with north carolina aquariums and commercialization training through the national nonprofit, the biomimicry institute. In collaboration with uncw?s junior seahawk academy, these activities will expand participation in stem engagement, particularly among north carolina middle school students this project examines how dermal photoreception and ocular vision are integrated to regulate dynamic color change in fishes. The research focuses on two color-changing fish species and combines histology, spectroscopy, transcriptomics, electrophysiology, and behavioral experimentation to determine: (1) how dermal photoreceptors are structurally and optically organized to capture light information; (2) how these photoreceptors communicate with physiological systems controlling skin coloration; and (3) how dermal photoreception and ocular vision differentially contribute to color change behavior. The project addresses a major unresolved question in sensory biology by testing whether dermal photoreception functions as a self-sensory feedback system that monitors skin color state during camouflage. The project may advance bioinspired sensor development by identifying optical principles underlying distributed imaging systems based on dermal photoreception. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.