Lab Introduction

The Insect–Plant Interaction Lab investigates the complex relationships between plants and insect herbivores across physiological, molecular, ecological, and evolutionary scales. We are particularly interested in how plant defense traits and insect foraging behaviors are shaped not only by biotic interactions but also by abiotic factors such as water availability and light—two essential environmental drivers of plant performance. By integrating field ecology, chemical analysis, and molecular tools, we aim to uncover how environmental conditions influence plant-insect dynamics, with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying these responses. Our research is grounded in the recognition that plants and herbivorous insects represent two of the most diverse lineages on Earth, and their interactions are central to many key processes in both natural and managed ecosystems. Understanding these interactions contributes broadly to the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, plant science, and chemical ecology. In the face of global climate change, shifts in temperature, precipitation, and light regimes are increasingly disrupting plant-insect relationships, with cascading effects on biodiversity, crop productivity, and ecosystem services. Our work not only contributes to basic scientific knowledge but also has applied relevance for sustainable agriculture and pest management under changing environmental conditions. We welcome motivated students and early-career researchers who share an interest in plant-insect interactions to reach out and explore opportunities to join our team.