Deciphering The Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles of Parasitic Aphaenogaster Ants

She is studying the social parasite Aphaenogaster tennesseensis. She sampled colonies to test their cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles (also known as scent) in order to determine how the social parasite invaded the host colony.  The data showed that A. tennesseensis has a significantly different CHC profile to the host, suggesting that the host has an entry method that doesn't rely entirely on mimicking the host's profile. 

Do Bacterial Communities Differ Among Species The Leaf-Cutter Ant Community?

She is studying the differences in the bacterial communities of leaf-cutter ants (Atta spp.) and their endosymbiont fungi. Atta are a known pest species across Brazil and understanding their bacterial communities could reveal insights into methods of pest control via targeted pesticides.