I'm interested in both research and teaching. My research interests span sensory physiology and perception, communication, and chemical ecology in arthropods. I currently study reproductive regulation in polydomous ant species including Novomessor cockerelli and Oecophylla smaragdina.
Our lab explores the communication systems, sensory ecology, navigation, and social regulation of arthropods, with a primary focus on polydomous ant species. Polydomous ants, with their complex social structures spanning multiple nests, offer unique insights into collective behaviors. We investigate how these ants utilize long-range signals and cues to regulate worker reproduction and maintain cohesion across spatially separated nests. Additionally, we explore the pivotal role of brood in mediating colony processes, such as reallocating resources and regulating worker tasks. Through our research, we aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms of reproductive regulation, brood influence, and long-range communication in ant colonies. By doing so, we seek to reveal general principles about biological communication networks, collective decision-making, and the evolution of adaptive social strategies. Understanding these principles not only enhances our knowledge of ant societies but also sheds light on broader concepts in biology and social organization.
