Dr. Port joined the Department of Biology and the Environmental Studies Program beginning in Fall 2001. Jeff received his B.S. degree from Bethel College and a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Minnesota. His doctoral research was centered on the reproductive biology of the Speckled Teal, a small dabbling duck native to central Argentina. Dr. Port came to Bethel from Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas.

Dr. Port's research interests include animal behavior and avian mating systems, reproductive strategies, parental care investment in waterfowl, and insect biology. He is currently operating a MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) bird banding station in collaboration with Anoka County as well as investigating the use of restored prairies by grassland songbirds in conjunction with the St Croix Watershed Research Station.

Dr. Port teaches BIO113D Introduction to Organismic Biology, BIO311 Ecology, BIO106D The Science of Birds, BIO499 Biology Seminar, and BIO308 Invertebrate Biology. He also leads an Interim course in Ecuador, GES318K Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands:  Natural History and Future Prospects. He also serves as the campus representative for the programs offered at Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies.