Research

Past Research

Inactivity in Ant Colonies

Social insect colonies are often known for having efficient collective systems, with division of labor at the root of their ecological success. Yet it has been observed in many species that a large proportion of workers appear to spend their time completely inactive. The most commonly proposed explanation for inactive workers is that they form a ‘reserve’ labor force that becomes active when needed. Thus this helps to mitigate the effects of colony workload fluctuations or worker loss. It may be that inactive workers facilitate colony flexibility and resilience.

(Daniel Charbonneau, 2016)

Ocean Acidification Effects of California Rock Scallops

Ocean acidification and increased ocean temperature from elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide can significantly influence the physiology, growth and survival of marine organisms. Despite increasing research efforts, there are still many gaps in our knowledge of how these stressors interact to affect economically and ecologically important species. This project was the first to explore the physiological effects of high pCO2 and temperature on the acclimation potential of the purple-hinge rock scallop (Crassadoma gigantea). Results from this research highlight the complexity of physiological responses for calcifying species under global change related stress and provide the first insights for understanding the response of a bivalve's microbiome under multiple stressors.

(Lindsay Alma & Dr. Jacqueline L Padilla-Gamiño, 2016)

Access to Water and its Impact in Spider Richness and Behavior

When observing the food web, traditionally community ecologist focus on energy as a currency rather than the possibility of water being the main driving force behind species interactions. Being as water regulates numerous functions within the body such as structure, mobility, and nutrient transport and is essential for maintaining homeostasis, organisms develop responses to unbalances through behavioral changes. We observed the impact water availability has on spider activity and foraging behavior. While also pairing this with field study done to see the role exurban ponds play in correlation to landscape variables. Overall, the results showed that water availability indirectly and directly impact the richness of organisms and their behavior, which could affect species interactions and food web dynamics.

(Dr. Ann Ryptra, 2018)

Current Research

Play Behavior

Mammals exhibit social play, play fighting, and locomotor play. Locomotor play is defined as vigorous and seemingly purposeless behavior observed in young animals. Play can have negative consequences, such as taking time away from foraging, increasing exposure to predators, and causing injuries. One hypothesized benefit of locomotor play is facilitation of neural and muscular development in young individuals with effects that may persist into adulthood. Thus, animals from populations that have an evolutionary history involving natural or sexual selection for high levels of physical activity as adults, might have evolved increased play behavior as juveniles as one mechanism that increases adult locomotor abilities. We therefore tested whether elevated locomotor play has evolved as a correlated response in the context of artificial selection for increased voluntary exercise.

Lifetime Reproductive Success (LRS)

My work on lifetime reproductive success focuses on how behavioral and physiological traits influence reproductive output across an individual’s lifespan. In High Runner and control mouse lines, I examine relationships among activity levels, performance capacity, health metrics, and total offspring produced over life. By linking early life performance and physiological condition to long term reproductive outcomes, I assess potential tradeoffs between investment in performance, somatic maintenance, and reproduction. This research provides insight into how selection on behavioral traits impacts fitness and life history strategies over multiple generations.

Lifespan

My lifespan research examines how selection on behavior and physical performance influences longevity and aging trajectories. Using selectively bred High Runner mouse lines and unselected control lines, I investigate how traits such as aerobic capacity, sprint performance, activity levels, and early life growth relate to survival across the lifespan. By integrating longitudinal performance data with mortality outcomes, I aim to identify predictors of longevity and clarify whether increased energetic investment in activity and performance trades off with lifespan or instead promotes healthier aging. This work contributes to understanding how evolutionary pressures on behavior shape aging processes and survival in mammals.

Healthspan

My healthspan research explores how physical performance, behavior, and neuromuscular function relate to functional aging and quality of life. I use a suite of behavioral and physiological assays, including VO₂max, sprint speed, voluntary activity, and motor coordination tests, to track age related changes in performance and decline. By comparing selectively bred High Runner lines with control lines, I evaluate whether selection for activity and endurance promotes delayed functional decline or alters patterns of age related deterioration. This work aims to identify performance based markers of healthy aging and better understand how evolutionary history influences resilience to age related functional loss.

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