MY RESEARCH INTEREST is in geographic patterns in functionally relevant and conspicuous insect traits, be they physiological, morphological, or behavioral. I am specifically interested in how these patterns relate to genetic structure and taxonomy. Specific research projects are listed below.
MY STUDY ORGANISMS are mainly ants, I have done a lot of work on trap-jaw ants (Odontomachus) which are large ants with a powerful sting that have evolved a special trap-jaw mechanism for catching prey and jumping to escape threats. Their mandible strike is the fastest recorded motion in the animal kingdom (216 km/h, 134mph).
MY WORK has been published in a variety of scientific journals and has also been covered in general media outlets like National Geographic, Discovery Channel and CNBC. — List of Publications ♦ Curriculum Vitae ♦ Google Scholar Profile ♦ Research Gate Profile ♦ Media Coverage
RESEARCH PROJECTS
STUDENTS DISCOVER PROJECT
ON working with TEACHERS to create EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES BASED ON CITIZEN SCIENCE
