Research Interests

Although I am interested in the whole field of modern evolutionary biology, my principal research has been focused on two broad areas: evolutionary ecology and insect systematics. My evolutionary ecology studies have been concerned with speciation and adaptation of island arthropods to exploit harsh or inhospitable environments, and the colonization and impacts of alien species on island ecosystems. Both studies have provided insights into the evolution of community structure and ecosystem functioning. Additionally, studying the adaptations of organisms to such inhospitable environments leads to a better understanding of evolution (especially natural selection) in general. These studies have resulted in the discovery of three new ecosystems in Hawaii: the lava tube, lava flow aeolian, and montane aeolian. The methods used include (1) experimental ecological studies, wherein a controlled modification of a single parameter is made in the field and the results compared with similar control sites; (2) collaboration with colleagues on comparative physiological, behavioral, ecological, and morphological studies between cave-adapted organisms and their close relatives living in above-ground habitats; and (3) detailed bioclimatic studies correlated with adaptations to the environment by cave species. I enjoy the opportunity to collaborate on the transferal of these methods to other ecological and evolutionary studies that are of interest to colleagues and students.

I believe such studies should be based on a firm understanding of systematics and have cultivated a strong foundation in biosystematic and collection-based research in entomology. The proper care and preservation of voucher specimens of published research of both field and laboratory studies in evolutionary biology is of paramount importance in the interpretation and lasting value of such research.