CURRENT MEMBERS
I am interested in how ecological and evolutionary dynamics shape species interactions. We utilize a range of systems in our research, from fungal pathogens found in ant gardens to nematodes and bacteria that protect them from environmental stress.
I am interested on the chemical ecology of symbiotic interactions. Currently, I am focusing on the chemistry of host-parasite specificity.
I am interested in how symbiotic interactions influence the mating behavior and reproductive compatibility of their hosts.
Working with Chris Beck on NSF-Funded Bean Beetle Microbiome Research Project
I am interested in how environmental factors affect microbial diversity and function. I am also interested in STEM education and the factors that promote or inhibit student success in STEM.
Working with Berry Brosi (University of Washington), I am interested in how antibiotics impact bee behavior and pollinator services, and whether observed effects are due to perturbation of the insects' microbiomes.
Co-advisor: Dave Civitello
The use of symbionts to disrupt the transmission of vector-borne pathogens.
Co-advisor: Levi Morran
Role of horizontal transmission, sex, and gene flow on the evolution and maintenance of mutualisms. Squash bugs and Burkholderia. C. elegans.
Co-advisor: Nic Vega
Microbial interactions, evolution and maintenance of symbioses, insect ecology.
I am interested in host-parasite interactions and dynamics spanning the scale from organismal to population levels.
PAST MEMBERS
- Seth Barribeau, post-doc | faculty at the University of Liverpool
- Lynn Griffin, post-doc
- Jen Kovacs, post-doc | associate professor at Agnes Scott College
- Alice Laughton, post-doc | project manager for Mission: Invertebrate
- Miguel Reyes, post-doc | lecturer at Emory University
- Erika Diaz-Almeyda, post-doc | assistant professor at New College of Florida
- Hassan Salem, post-doc | Max Planck Research Group Leader
- Caitlin Conn, post-doc | assistant professor at Berry College
- Ben Parker, graduate student | assistant professor at the University of Tennessee
- Alex Chang, graduate student
- Nelle Couret, graduate student | assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island
- Justine Garcia, graduate student | assistant professor at New Mexico Highlands University
- Wen-Hao Tan, graduate student | bioinformatician at ACT Genomics in Taiwan
- Bas ter Braak, visiting Masters student
- Tom de Man, visiting Masters student | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Yuliana Christopher, visiting graduate student from Panama
- Quimi Vidaurre Montoya, visiting graduate student from Brazil
- Nancy Lowe, technician | director of symbASA
- Boran Altincicek, visiting scientist
- Stephanie Birnbaum, technician | USDA postdoc with Ann Tate at Vanderbilt University
- Tarik Acevedo-Gonzalez, technician | graduate student at Penn State
- Tiffani Alcaide, technician
- Kim Hoang, graduate student | NSF postdoctoral fellow with Kayla King and Oxford University
- Erica Harris, graduate student | postdoc with Jen Kovacs at Agnes Scott College