Species interactions, coexistence theory, biodiversity, quantitative ecology, and land management represent some of my broad interests. I particularly enjoy work grounded in ecological theory with applications that can impact policy.
My PhD work addresses the mechanisms and significance of indirect interactions. Gall insects provide a great opportunity to study these interactions.
Gall insects are highly specialized insect herbivores. These insects initiate bloating and malformation of plant tissues, creating a chamber called a gall. These galls are like luxury hotel rooms that cater to the specific needs of the insect. Thus, the plant is like one big hotel. The gall insects inside get protection from the weather and lots of great room service. I am interested in what happens when there are multiple galls sharing a host plant.
Gall insects are highly specialized insect herbivores. These insects initiate bloating and malformation of plant tissues, creating a chamber called a gall. These galls are like luxury hotel rooms that cater to the specific needs of the insect. Thus, the plant is like one big hotel. The gall insects inside get protection from the weather and lots of great room service. I am interested in what happens when there are multiple galls sharing a host plant.
Russian Knapweed and Biological Control - Colorado State University
I recently received my Ph.D in Ecology in Dr. Paul Ode's lab working on biological control of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). I am examining two biological control agents for Russian knapweed: a gall midge, Jaapiella ivannikovi, and a gall wasp, Aulacidea acroptilonica. Do these herbivores compete as they share resources? Do they more effectively control Russian knapweed when both attacking the plant? I am collaborating with Dr. Dan Bean and colleagues at the Palisade Insectary (Colorado Department of Agriculture).
I recently received my Ph.D in Ecology in Dr. Paul Ode's lab working on biological control of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). I am examining two biological control agents for Russian knapweed: a gall midge, Jaapiella ivannikovi, and a gall wasp, Aulacidea acroptilonica. Do these herbivores compete as they share resources? Do they more effectively control Russian knapweed when both attacking the plant? I am collaborating with Dr. Dan Bean and colleagues at the Palisade Insectary (Colorado Department of Agriculture).
Fig. 1. Solid arrows A & B are direct interactions. Dotted arrows C & D represent plant-mediated indirect interactions; A) Herbivore-plant interactions; B) Within a single gall, intraspecific relationships between insect larvae; C) Intraspecific and D) Interspecific indirect interactions between galls.
Science Writing Research - Colorado State University
Dr. Meena Balgopal and associates
I helped analyze data as we considered the impact of writing to learn activities, such as graphic organizers, on learning outcomes with an emphasis on inclusive teaching methods.
Dr. Meena Balgopal and associates
I helped analyze data as we considered the impact of writing to learn activities, such as graphic organizers, on learning outcomes with an emphasis on inclusive teaching methods.
Camas Lily Gall Midge - Willamette University
Advisors: Drs. Susan Kephart and Kathryn Theiss
We discovered a new species of gall-forming midge fly in the genus Dasineura (Cecidomyiidae; Diptera, Gagné et al, 2015). The galls markedly affect floral morphology of wildflowers in the genus Camassia (Agavoideae; Asparagaceae). The larvae of these flies develop inside the ovaries of camas flowers, inhibiting pollination and fruit development. Before the discovery of this new species of insect, there were no recorded incidences of galling on Camassia or its close relatives. I led a project addressing which camas taxa exhibit galling to determine the specificity of the interaction by visiting camas populations and examining camas herbarium specimens.
Video: Camas gall midge (Dasineura camassiae; Cecidomyiidae) with several larvae exiting in succession from a great camas (Camassia leichtlinii; Asparagaceae) flower gall.
Video: A Pacific Northwest Camassia wildflower growing in the spring, developing from buds to open flowers.