Research in my lab combines theoretical and empirical approaches in a variety of projects that investigate the evolutionary ecology of competition and conflict. The majority of my research explores predator-prey interactions in the context of habitat selection (i.e., small scale spatial distributions and real-time interactions of organisms). This research uses a combination of analytic modeling (in collaboration with Yuan Lou, Department of Mathematics, Ohio State University), simulation modeling, and empirical investigations of a tritrophic system. The latter are conducted with fava bean plants, pea aphids, and lady beetles in experimental microcosms. The other projects I am currently working on are (1) an evolutionary simulation model of food web assembly and (2) exploring the adaptive significance of morning sickness in human pregnancy. I am currently seeking graduate students to join my lab; please contact me if you are interested.
