Research

My research group is fascinated by the evolution of species and the interplay between local adaptation and speciation, behavioral and physiological mechanisms, ecological and environmental diversity and genetic basis of traits and genome evolution. The Hawaiian Islands are an ideal location to investigate the ecology and evolution of species because there are amazingly high numbers of endemic species that are found across the highly variable environments of these islands. We mostly study animals with wings - birds, bat and insects. Currently, we work with HawaiianDrosophila, a highly species-rich group (800+ species), Carabid Beetles, the Nene - Hawaiian Goose, and the Hawaiian Hoary Bat. We also study plants, microbes and other interesting taxa in collaboration with other research groups.

Additional Information

WHI Lab Location: 112
WHI Lab Phone Number: 702-895-4457