Research

Research Overview

Our group works at the intersection of biological control and soil ecology, exploring how fungi, insects, and microbes interact across agroecosystems. We’re especially interested in how environmental stressors—like climate shifts, land use changes, or invasive species—disrupt these interactions, and how we might restore balance through ecological and evolutionary strategies. We combine greenhouse trials, field experiments, molecular tools, and ecological modeling to study systems ranging from the soil microbiome to pest–host–pathogen dynamics. Increasingly, we integrate population genetics and genome-scale data to understand how these organisms respond to pressure and adapt over time. Our work bridges basic ecological questions with applied goals in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health.

Research Areas

🌱 Biological Control and IPM in Cropping Systems

We study the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi and other biocontrol agents in real-world cropping systems. Our research evaluates their compatibility with IPM strategies, crop type, and farm management practices. Projects in this area include:

Greenhouse and field bioassays using entomopathogenic fungi including Beauveria and Metarhizium.
Development and evaluation of alternative biological control tools for invasive insect pests.
Measuring plant protection outcomes under IPM strategies and ecological stress. Focus Areas: Entomopathogenic Fungi, Integrated Pest Management, Farmer Collaboration, Field-to-Greenhouse Continuum

🧬 Microbial Dysbiosis and Pest–Pathogen Interactions

This line of research investigates how fungal infections may disrupt insect microbiomes, reshaping host physiology, behavior, and disease resistance. We’re also exploring how these interactions intersect with novel genetic tools.

Co-infection experiments combining fungi with viral or bacterial pathogens.
Microbiome analysis of pest guts before and after fungal exposure.
Incorporating RNA interference (RNAi) approaches as complementary tools. Focus Areas: Host–Microbiome Rewiring, Pathogen–Fungus Interactions, RNAi, Pest Vulnerability, Microbial Ecology

🪱 Amynthas Earthworms and Soil Ecology

Our work on Amynthas earthworms examines their life cycle timing, physiological thresholds, and broader ecological impacts. We also use population genetic and genomic approaches to understand their invasion history and adaptive traits.

Studying biology and ecology of different life stages of Amynths.
Evaluating impacts on soil structure, microbial communities, and crop performance.
Population genetics and whole-genome assembly of Amynthas species to explore species identity, introduction routes, and stress adaptations. Focus Areas: Earthworm Biology, Soil Disruption, Cocoon Hatching Phenology, Temperature Tolerance, Population Genomics, Earthworm–Microbe Interactions

🐛 Wireworm Ecology and Microbial Controls

Together with students and collaborators, we study wireworm species diversity, seasonal patterns, and their interactions with microbial biocontrol agents. We’re also incorporating genetic methods to resolve species boundaries and investigate population structure.