Welcome!
I am a post-doctoral researcher in Patty Gowaty's' group within the Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. Our lab is interested in the empirical and theoretical study of social behavior. In particular, my research involves investigation of environmental, social, and random effects on multiple mating in eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) and Drosophila sp. (D. melanogaster, D. pseudoobscura and D. hydei).
Much of our work involves (1) the application of molecular tools to questions of behavior and (2) the capture, sampling & observation of animals in the "field" (primarily to accomplish and inform #1). As such, we are very interested in the collection and integration both molecular and population data, including those from: genotypes, marking and recapture, radio-location & spatial sources. In addition to observation and experimentation in the field, we are also very interested in experiments involving captive populations (e.g. Drosophila).
Prior to coming to UCLA my research focused on social and reproductive behavior in Northern Bobwhites, a member of Order Galliformes found throughout the Southeast and known as the "Prince of Gamebirds". This study was part of a larger group of studies, collectively composing the Northern Bobwhite Genetics Project, a collaborative project between Tall Timbers Research Station (TTRS), D. B. Warnell School of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University & the Albany Area Quail Project.
Current Collaborators
- Jim Belthoff, Boise State
- John Carroll, UGA
- Mike Conroy, USGS
- Nick Crawford, BU
- Hugh Drummond, UNAM
- Travis Glenn, UGA
- Patty Gowaty, UCLA
- Steve Hubbell, UCLA
- Ken Jones, UGA
- William Palmer, TTRS
- Alejandra Ramos, UNAM
- Stefan Schnitzer, UWM
- Brian Shamblin, UGA
- Theron Terhune, TTRS
- Jeff Thompson