Studied the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms governing adaptation within soybean aphid populations. My work utilized a combination of genomic analyses and field trials to elucidate the inheritance and population dynamics of adaptation of the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) to resistant soybean lines. These findings were then applied to investigate insect resistance management tactics.

Quantified biotic, abiotic and chemical parameters of the redside dace’s (RSD) habitat. Developed the nation’s first captive rearing program of RSD. Generated SSR markers and performed population genetic analysis of Indiana RSD populations at the the Chicago Field Museum Pritzker Lab for Molecular Systematics & Evolution.

Data collection and generation of a phylogenetic tree of the Aspergillus genus revealing unexpected clustering of penicillium taxa.