In his teaching, Professor Dunlap tries to demonstrate how physiological processes are, in part, products of molecular and ecological processes. But they also have particular properties at the organismal level. In addition, he tries to show how biology fits into the liberal arts by discussing the possibilities and limitations of science as a way of knowing and by examining ways that scientists have uniquely approached phenomena in the humanities, such as music, art and religion. In his research, Professor Dunlap pursues questions at the cellular, physiological, behavioral and evolutionary levels. While his current research is on fish, he has conducted research on lizards, frogs and rodents in the past.

He is the author of the forthcoming book "The Neck: A Natural and Cultural History."