Our lab uses theory, experiments, and observational studies to address questions aimed at understanding the factors that shape insect communities and plant-insect interactions. Our research is mostly conducted in agricultural ecosystems and addresses both basic and applied issues; this allows us to ask fundamental questions while also developing solutions to real-world problems. Our research integrates theoretical work (simulation, analytical, and statistical models) with empirical studies (observational work, manipulative experiments). Our research is broad, currently focusing on the following areas (see research page for more details):
(1) Effects of sustainable agriculture on insect communities
(2) Plant-pollinator interactions
(3) Plant-insect-pathogen interactions
(4) Plant-insect-microbe intearctions
(5) Landscape ecology