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Research Interests
My interests are at the intersection of evolution, behavior, and ecology. The primary focus of my dissertation is the evolution of secondary sexual traits and corresponding preferences. Specifically, how are different signals used in mate choice, and how do the various preferences for these traits interact? Are some traits more useful than others in determining mate quality? Is there a hierarchy of preferences for the various traits? Is there a bias for certain sensory modalities? How strong of a factor is the local environment in the evolution of these traits and preferences? What mechanisms underlie the evolution of these correlated traits and preferences?
Currently I am investigating the use of chemical signals in mate choice in the gulf pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli. Over twenty years of research have been conducted on mate choice driven by visual communication in pipefish, while other sensory modalities have been ignored. This is the first evidence of chemical signals being used in mate choice. The results indicate that males show significant preferences for the smell of females over males and a control. Females, however, show no preferences.
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