Current Research
Current Research
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Evolution of defense mechanisms in social insects
Evolution of defense mechanisms in social insects
Cornell University
How do ecological factors influence the evolution of a soldier caste in ant lineages?
How do ecological factors influence the evolution of a soldier caste in ant lineages?
Some ant colonies have specialized defensive workers known as soldiers, which typically have larger bodies and traits like enhanced mandibles or body armor. These soldiers protect the nest from predators, rival colonies, and threats to the queen, brood, and food stores. Interestingly, not all ant species have soldiers, creating an opportunity to explore the ecological factors that influence differences in defense strategies. This project examines the macroevolution of soldier workers in ants, investigating how ecological factors such as colony size, diet, and predation risk drive the evolution of these specialized defenders through phylogenetic analysis.
Leafcutter ant (Atta cephalotes) major (soldier) and minor. Photo by ANTonio Photography.
How do paper wasps respond to different enemy encounters?
How do paper wasps respond to different enemy encounters?
Organisms often deploy a suite of defense mechanisms tailored to different types of threats. How do social insects use behavior to effectively implement these strategies across varying contexts? This project on Polistes dominula investigates how both individual wasps and colonies respond to distinct enemy encounters, with a focus on the brain gene expression associated with these responses. By analyzing both behavioral and molecular responses, my research aims to uncover the defensive strategies and social dynamics that enable P. dominula to recognize and respond effectively to diverse threats.
Photo of Polistes dominula by Ronaldo R
Past Research
Past Research
Shaping UV defenses: Maternal effects on sea urchin embryos
Shaping UV defenses: Maternal effects on sea urchin embryos
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
As part of my undergraduate and master's research, I worked at Cal Poly's Center for Coastal Marine Sciences advised by Dr. Nikki Adams. My research investigated how maternal investment causes differences in UV-tolerance of intertidal and subtidal populations of purple sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus). I used a proteomic approach to assess differences in protein abundance between eggs from different tidal sites to understand how protein variation invested maternally through eggs provides embryos with a rapid response to UV-stress during early development. We identified a range of candidate proteins involved in various cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation, signaling and transport, oxidative stress and metabolism that may help developing embryos cope with UVR stress.
Photo by Angel Trejo
Dolphin cognition and communication research at Disney
Dolphin cognition and communication research at Disney
Walt Disney World Resort
I worked at Walt Disney World as an Aquatic Research Professional Intern under Dr. Andy Stamper, focusing on dolphin cognition and behavior research led by Dr. Heidi Harley from New College of Florida (NCF). I conducted research sessions, analyzed acoustic data, and communicated findings to Disney guests. Afterward, I worked as a psychology lab technician at NCF, leading a project cataloging dolphin vocalizations. I also assisted with other projects, like measuring coral with a 3D scanner with the occasional help of a friendly sea turtle.
Video by Alaine Ibarreche.
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