I am a behavioral ecologist with broad training in evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and ecology. I use a variety of experimental approaches to understand variation in reproductive behavior within and across species. My work focuses on Ambystomatid salamanders, specifically the marbled, spotted, and ringed salamanders. Currently, my primary research program involves comparing mating systems across these species in order to better understand how ecology shapes mating and parenting decisions.
I take a varied approach to answering questions about animal behavior, including using genetic tools to determine patterns of multiple mating, exploring evolutionary hypotheses through mathematical modeling, and comparing gene expression in the brain during different phases of the reproductive cycle. Much of this work is conducted in collaboration with other institutions in the southeast. I encourage students who are interested in field-, laboratory-, or computer-based studies of ecology and behavior to reach out to me about current projects in my lab.
I teach many courses in the UNCA Biology curriculum, including the introductory courses in Ecology & Evolution, and Experimental Design, Analysis & Presentation. I also teach Zoology, Animal Behavior, and Reproductive Biology. Please contact me if you would like to learn more about these courses and when they are offered.