The focus of my research is applied evolutionary ecology. We work on plant-insect interactions (biological control, biological invasions), and we also use Tribolium as a model system to address fundamental questions in evolution and ecology. In addition to the main projects listed below, I'm lucky to collaborate with a number of outstanding scientists around the world on a wide range of topics.
Main projects:
(1) Eco-evolutionary dynamics of range expansions
Theory and empirical work shows that populations on the front wave of range expansions can have some fascinating dynamics that influence the speed of the expansion, and the fitness of the individuals at the expansion front. Most empirical research on these phenomena, including our own using Tribolium (Szucs et al. 2017 PNAS, Weiss-Lehman et al. 2017 Nat. Comms and 2019 Proc. Roy Soc), has focused on model systems. Now, with USDA NIFA support, PhD student Eliza Clark is studying how these processes play out in nature. We are using a biological control system - Diorhabda beetles were introduced for the biological control of Tamarisk about 20 years ago, and are rapidly spreading from north to south in North America. We are working closely with Ellyn Bitume (who lead the writing of the grant proposal), Dan Bean at the Colorado Insectary in Palisade (who is the king of all things Diorhabda, and an amazing applied evolutionary ecologist and entomologist), and Paul Hohenloe and Amanda Stalkhe at University of Idaho (genomic expertise extraordinaire).
2) Eco-Evo-Eco Dynamics. With new (2019) funding from NSF (hooray!!!) we are going to continue work started in Hufbauer et al. (2015 PNAS) on the factors that enable populations to adapt to challenging environments. Using the Tribolium model system, we can evaluate the consequences of density dependence and genetic load for determining whether population adapt or decline to extinction. We are currently seeking a postdoc to join us. We are also working with new CSU MS student Lily Durkee, and of course our amazing collaborators to the south: Brett Melbourne and PhD student Scott Nordstrom.
(3) Biological invasions. During my sabbatical in France (2016-2017) I started working on the invasive vinegar fly Drosophila suzukii. MS student Marcel Jardeleza is working on understanding the roles of adaptation and plasticity in D. suzukii's use of different environments. Additionally we are exploring whether use of fruits by D. suzukii might change their palatability and availability to birds. We are working with Ian Pearce (amazing experimentalist, writer, thinker) and Liba Pejchar (bird ecologist and mover and shaker).
(4) Forest Entomology. I have two project on forest systems going - one focused on predicting invasive forest insects, one on the ecology of elm specialists.
Main projects:
(1) Eco-evolutionary dynamics of range expansions
Theory and empirical work shows that populations on the front wave of range expansions can have some fascinating dynamics that influence the speed of the expansion, and the fitness of the individuals at the expansion front. Most empirical research on these phenomena, including our own using Tribolium (Szucs et al. 2017 PNAS, Weiss-Lehman et al. 2017 Nat. Comms and 2019 Proc. Roy Soc), has focused on model systems. Now, with USDA NIFA support, PhD student Eliza Clark is studying how these processes play out in nature. We are using a biological control system - Diorhabda beetles were introduced for the biological control of Tamarisk about 20 years ago, and are rapidly spreading from north to south in North America. We are working closely with Ellyn Bitume (who lead the writing of the grant proposal), Dan Bean at the Colorado Insectary in Palisade (who is the king of all things Diorhabda, and an amazing applied evolutionary ecologist and entomologist), and Paul Hohenloe and Amanda Stalkhe at University of Idaho (genomic expertise extraordinaire).
2) Eco-Evo-Eco Dynamics. With new (2019) funding from NSF (hooray!!!) we are going to continue work started in Hufbauer et al. (2015 PNAS) on the factors that enable populations to adapt to challenging environments. Using the Tribolium model system, we can evaluate the consequences of density dependence and genetic load for determining whether population adapt or decline to extinction. We are currently seeking a postdoc to join us. We are also working with new CSU MS student Lily Durkee, and of course our amazing collaborators to the south: Brett Melbourne and PhD student Scott Nordstrom.
(3) Biological invasions. During my sabbatical in France (2016-2017) I started working on the invasive vinegar fly Drosophila suzukii. MS student Marcel Jardeleza is working on understanding the roles of adaptation and plasticity in D. suzukii's use of different environments. Additionally we are exploring whether use of fruits by D. suzukii might change their palatability and availability to birds. We are working with Ian Pearce (amazing experimentalist, writer, thinker) and Liba Pejchar (bird ecologist and mover and shaker).
(4) Forest Entomology. I have two project on forest systems going - one focused on predicting invasive forest insects, one on the ecology of elm specialists.
