My Research
In my lab we investigate the genetic basis for adaptive phenotypic plasticity in insects using a combination of evolutionary and developmental biological approaches. Specifically we are interested in understanding how genes and the environment interact to produce complex traits. We are focused on understanding differential gene expression and regulation of horn dimorphisms in scarab beetles. I'm working in close collaboration with Dr. Douglas J. Emlen at the University of Montana. Laura Hahn is one of the graduate students working on this project. This work is funded by the NSF.
photo courtesy of Doug Emlen
In the lab we also have a project on the non-target effects of parasiticide residues in cattle dung on the dung fauna of Washington state. Dan Skoczylas is doing his M.S. degree on this project. Together with Drs. Doug Walsh & Holly Ferguson at the WSU Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser WA we have been taking beetle & fly surveys throughout the year, identified beetle and fly species, and begun experiments with beetles in dung collected from ivermectin, cydectin, and doramectin treated cattle.
photos courtesy of Holly Ferguson
I am also working closely on two projects with Dr. Steve Garczynski of the USDA Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory. This work is to identify G-protein coupled odorant receptors and characterize Bt toxins from codling moth. This work is funded by the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission.
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