Research - the ant life

My Research Interest

is in geographic patterns in functionally relevant and conspicuous physiological, morphological, or behavioral insect traits. I am specifically interested in how these patterns relate to genetic structure and taxonomy. I use citizen science as a method for gathering data and communicating science.

My Study Organisms

are mainly ants, most of my work is on trap-jaw ants (Odontomachus); large ants with powerful stings 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, 134 mph).

My work has been published in a variety of scientific journals and covered in general media outlets such as National Geographic, Discovery Channel and CNBC.

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