In our lab we investigate the fundamental questions of life history theory: How do organisms allocate resources to the competing demands of growth, reproduction, and somatic maintenance? How do organisms use cues in their environments to predict future demands? How do early environments affect health and well-being later in life? How does our modern environment differ from the conditions under which we evolved, and what are the consequences of our novel environment on health and ontogeny?
We focus on both field and laboratory work to examine human biology and behavior in ecological context. In the lab we measure hormones, white blood cells, and other biomarkers to characterize stress responses and life history allocations. In the field we study pathogen exposure, social structure, stress, and lifestyle change through market integration and globalization.
We focus on both field and laboratory work to examine human biology and behavior in ecological context. In the lab we measure hormones, white blood cells, and other biomarkers to characterize stress responses and life history allocations. In the field we study pathogen exposure, social structure, stress, and lifestyle change through market integration and globalization.
Prospective Graduate Students
I work with students with a wide variety of interests in human biology, evolutionary psychology, and behavioral ecology.Here are a few things I look for: 1) Interest in field work; currently I am most invested in Utila and am looking for students interested in working there. 2) Interest in wet lab skills. 3) Knowledge of or interest in statistics or mathematical modelling, especially in R. 4) Interest in evolutionary theory, an in particular an ability to form hypotheses about biology and behavior from an adaptationist or evolutionary perspective.
If you are interested in applying to work with me, please email me. Often I'll ask you to set up a Skype meeting so we can chat and see if it's a good fit.
Media and News
- Immune function can look pretty different in people exposed to many pathogens and parasites
- Wondering how worms might affect your fertility? Coverage from Science, NY Times, BBC and others.
- ScienceNews covers our paper on antagonism between helminths and giardia.