Current Research Interests

My research focuses on symbiotic interactions of bark beetles with fungi and mites. In particular, I am examining the effects of three fungi (two mutualists and an antagonist) on the developmental success and population dynamics of the southern pine beetle. The interactions between beetle and fungi are mediated by a number of phoretic mites, which themselves form a symbiosis with the fungi. Recent lines of research are using molecular approaches to chemically define the reciprocal effects of these organisms on one another. Other research considers novel techniques for preventing or controlling the damage done by these organisms to southern pines.

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