Currently, my work focuses on insect-parasitic nematodes (genus Steinernema) and their symbiotic bacteria (genus Xenorhabdus)
We have also begun to examine a natural community of entomopathogens.
In previous work, I examined the selective mechanisms causing local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in offspring size of the Trinidadian guppy.
Research areas:
- Behavior
- Ecology
- Evolution
- Microbial Interactions and Pathogenesis
We study the forces generating and maintaining phenotypic diversity. Our focus is on life-history and social traits as these traits are closely tied to fitness, and therefore are at the intersection of ecological dynamics and evolution. Key interests for us are to understand the trade-offs underlying different phenotypes and to determine the selective context in which different variants are favored. All of the research in the lab currently focuses on insect-parasitic nematodes and their mutualist bacterial partners. We use this system to address a variety of topics:
- Maintenance of Diversity
- Microbial Social Behavior
- Evolution of Parasite Virulence and Life History
- Beneficial Symbionts and the Evolution of Mutualisms
We study insect-parasitic nematodes and their mutualist bacterial partners to address a variety of conceptual areas.
The traits that interest me most are traits that are involved in trade-offs. For example, why would an organism attack a competitor, even if it meant certain death? How harmful should a parasite be to its hosts? When should a mother produce fewer offspring?
Research Interests:
- ecology, evolution, microbial interactions and pathogenesis
Research Interests:
- ecology, evolution, microbial interactions and pathogenesis
