My research interests revolve around the biodiversity and biology of Odonata. I'm also interested in the population and evolutionary ecology of aquatic insects and the biodiversity and evolutionary ecology of lamellicorn beetles.

Research Interests: Conducting insect biodiversity surveys througout Central Texas as well as serving as the Geographic Information System (GIS) powerhouse for the Abbott Lab - developing everything from species distribution maps for odonate research to aiding researchers within and outside the lab with geographic information consulting and analysis.

I have also developed and redesigned webpages for the Abbott Lab, Brackenridge Field Laboratory, and OdonataCentral.

"Back off, man. I'm a scientist."

--Dr. Peter Venkman

Research Interest: Developing protocols for using carabid beetles and ants as indicator species of environmental disturbance. For the past two years I have been involved with Environmental Integrity Index program for the City of Austin in the Watershed Protection Department. With the rapid growth of the Austin metropolitan area, this program helps track the changes in environmental quality and the impacts of non-point source pollution of local area creeks and streams. The indicators for tracking environmental quality change include benthic macroinvertebrates, water chemistry and riparian habitat assessment.

I enjoy riding my bike, reading, knitting, birdwatching, catching reptiles and amphibians.

Research Interests: Studying the large-scale migration of Anax junius (the Common Green Darner) using a multifaceted approach including DNA, isotopic variation and genetics.  Since larvae are top predators in fishless systems and terrestrial adults are equally voracious, and several threatened bird species appear to time their migration to coincide with dragonfly movement, preying on them en route, this species should be a good indicator of trophic cascade effects that might result from climate changes.
 

Research interests: Systematics, Biodiversity, Evolution, Conservation, Entomology

Research interests: Systematics of Scarabaeidae, in particular the Scarabaeinae (true dung beetles); describing the evolution of behavior in dung beetles, through systematic approaches (morphological and molecular phylogenetics); biogeography, diversity, conservation, and the agricultural applications of dung beetles in pasture ecosystems

Research interests: Systematics of Scarabaeidae.

Research Interests: Hepatitis C viral entry.

Blood, blood, blood...