He holds a B.S. in zoology from the University of Washington and a PhD in biology from the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Oregon. He has previously taught at the University of Utah and at Temple University. Paul blogs solo at Pharyngula, and is also a contributor to The Panda's Thumb, "a virtual pub of the University of Ediacara where patrons gather to discuss evolutionary theory, critique the claims of the antievolution movement, defend the integrity of both science and science education, and share good conversation." Paul is also the originator and principal organizer of Tangled Bank, a science blog carnival (a weekly showcase of good weblog writing selected and hosted by bloggers in the community).