I am broadly interested in systematics, biogeographic and ecological drivers of speciation, and trait evolution, primarily color. Below are summaries of questions I am addressing in my dissertation research and questions that interest me within entomology.

1. Population structure and evolution of white elytra in desert darkling beetles

Convergence (parallel evolution) vs. introgression (exchange of genes) is an important question to consider when evaluating trait evolution. I will be using sub-genomic methods to resolve population dynamics with ‘white’ Onymacris. Using ancestral character state estimation, this study tests convergence vs. introgression as a driver of unique coloration.

2. Molecular and morphological insights into subspecies relationships and resolution of paraphyly between genera

Generating a complete phylogeny and resolved phylogeny for Onymacris using ultra conserved elements (UCEs) will allow future researchers to conduct comparative studies with a robust phylogenetic framework and a wealth of sub-genomic data to pull from. Current phylogenies for Onymacris are missing key taxa limiting comparative analyses and many subspecies relationships have been called into question.

3. Ecological examination of pressures leading to white coloration with Onymacris

Fieldwork (currently underway) will involve predation experiments, survival statistics using mark and recapture methods, and background choice assays. These techniques will specifically examine the effectiveness of white coloration for crypsis and address questions regarding predators targeting ‘white’ Onymacris and how they may differ from species targeting black beetles.

4. The genetic underpinnings and potential interspecific similarities of white coloration in desert darkling beetles

White coloration within the Namib Desert is present in several different tenebrionid genera. This creates the ideal comparative study of the genetic mechanism leading to white coloration. Genomes from white species will be sequenced and annotated to see what genes have driven the unique coloration we see only in tenebrionid species of this desert and how levels of expression differ between color types and genera.

5. Model based insight into unique biogeographic phenomenon and its impact on speciation

Biogeographic studies have historically focused on large scale geographic impacts on biodiversity, the creation of islands, the separation of landscapes by mountains, etc. I will be conducting a micro-biogeographic study, attempting to model the impacts of pocket speciation or the shifting sands hypothesis within the Namib Desert using Onymacris (low vagile) taxa.