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Diana Andres, Doctoral Student (email)
I am interested in the evolution of mating strategies and of mating systems. One way that females may enhance their evolutionary fitness is by influencing fertilization. It is known that females can influence the outcome of sperm competition and there is evidence that they may also have the ability to influence the sexes of their offspring. I am currently investigating the possibility of sex ratio biasing of egg clutches in the sierra dome spider in response to male quality. Female sierra dome spiders often die before oviposition. Because sexually competitive male sierra dome spiders have shorter lifespans, it may benefit females to bias the sex ratio of their clutches toward males when they mate with sexually competitive males because daughters sired by these males may be more likely to die before they reproduce. (Co-advised by Paul Watson) (website)
Andrew Edelman, Doctoral Student (email)
My past and present research has focused on the ecology and behavior of small mammals including chipmunks, tree squirrels, and kangaroo rats. Currently, I am examining parental investment in banner-tailed kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis). This keystone species of desert grasslands builds large mounds that contain burrows and seed caches. Female banner-tailed kangaroo rats allow offspring to reside at the natal mound for 2-7 months after weaning. In addition, some females will bequeath mounds to offspring and move to adjacent mounds. Specifically, I am interested in what factors affect when and how females allow delayed dispersal of offspring and territorial bequeathal. I am also studying the long-term and short-term temporal patterns of banner-tailed kangaroo rat mound establishment, persistence, and occupancy using aerial photographs and live trapping. (website)
Angela Hung , Doctoral Student (email)
I am interested in mating behaviors across species. In many different taxa, animals have evolved a few general mating tactics (polygyny, polyandry, monogamy) in response to resource availability and distribution. As global climate change is now a prevalent issue, it would be interesting to see how animals are responding to changes in resources and how their fitness is affected by these changes. Also, I am interested in the cellular and molecular underpinnings of behavior, from development and on through an organism's life.
Julie McIntyre, Doctoral Student (email)
I am interested in how community interactions and ecosystem processes provide key conditions that maintain or enhance species diversity. In particular, I study plant – insect interactions, as I am fascinated by the roles insect pollinators play in ecosystems and am dedicated to the conservation of these important animals. My research is focused on a rare butterfly, dwelling on a mountain island in southern New Mexico, the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot (Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti). To help preserve this specialist butterfly and its supporting habitat, I am investigating plant community relationships, abiotic habitat variables, and the spatial habitat configurations with which this species associates. Knowledge from my research will be applied to the conservation of this endemic butterfly. (Co-advised by Dave Lightfoot) (website)
Daniella Swenton, Doctoral student (email)
My research focuses on the dynamic interplay between reproductive behavior and ecological differentiation in maintaining species identity. I am particularly interested in the importance of these studies for conservation issues dealing with invasive species. I am working with two fish species, Gambusia affinis and G. nobilis. The introduction of the highly invasive G. affinis into the limited range of the endangered G. nobilis has raised concerns about the persistence of the latter. By examining the degree of assortative mating and ecological segregation in these two species in both the field and in laboratory experiments, the threat posed by G. affinis to G. nobilis can be assessed and effective management can be implemented. (website)
Undergraduate Students
Alicia Dodson
List of Former Lab Associates (click)
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