Current Research Projects
Investigating how environmental stress affects cooperation and aggression in Thatch ants.
This research project investigates how environmental stressors affect cooperative mutualism in the Western Thatch ant. Thatch ants engage in defensive mutualistic relationships with aphids - defending them in exchange for food. Our research investigates how experiencing stressors affect thatch ant aggressive defense of their mutualistic partners and the underlying mechanisms that drive variation in ant behavior. this research is in collaboration with scientists at Idaho State Univeresity
Investigating the occurrence and transmission of novel foraging behaviors in wild dolphins in Charleston, South Carolina.
Bottlenose dolphins are known for developing unique foraging behaviors that are specific to the habitats they live in. Recently, a novel form of barrier feeding that we have called "shipeside feeding" has been documented in the Charleston, SC Harbor. Since its initial discovery, we have been conducting field observations to document the occurrence of shipside feeding and how it is being socially transmitted to other individuals in the population. This research is in collaboration with scientists at the South Carolina Aquarium
NMFS LOC 22856
Investigating how the maternal environment shapes offspring development
Individual variation in behavior is often driven by underlying physiological mechanisms. These mechanisms are influenced by early experiences during development. Our research investigates how maternal stress and the maternal gut microbiome affect offspring development and behavior. This research is in collaboration with scientists at Indiana University
Documenting artificial light at night (ALAN) across the Salt Lake Valley
Artificial light at night (ALAN) has abruptly altered natural light and dark cycles across the globe. ALAN is increasing in Salt Lake Valley, which is especially concerning for the National Audubon’s Gillmor Sanctuary, which provides critical habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds. We developed and launched the Salt Lake Valley ALAN Monitoring Project (SLVAMP) to collect and report ALAN data. This research is in collaboration with the National Audubon Society.
Investigating acceptance of scientific concepts and scientific communication
This research investigates the acceptance and denial of scientific concepts by the general public and how science communication, individual demographics, and science identity result in the acceptance of scientific evidence. This research is in collaboration with other faculty at Utah Valley University.