Background
Plant defense: Research focused on plant defense theory (why some plants are well defended and others are not), and the challenges of testing hypotheses about plant defense. Within that context, research also addressed the set of factors that determine how well insect predators do in different situations, in particular when prey contain plant defensive chemicals, when prey are scarce, and temperature (or climate) changes.
Science education: Recent advances in science education show that teaching science by lecturing and having students read thick textbooks is not very effective. Various research projects led to design and implementation of the Freshman Research Immersion (FRI) program, a sequence of three course-based undergraduate research experiences (aka CURE) for students intending to major in science or engineering.
Education
- PhD, University of Maryland
- MS, Arizona State University
- MAT, University of Pittsburgh
- BA, Ohio Wesleyan University
Research Interests
- Plant defense
- Insect behavior
- Science education
