Curriculum Vitae


Click image For publication

2020

Here is an epic paper containing the biggest survey of visual acuity in compound eyes to date. We also found that, when we account for phylogenyetic distance, the combination of several ecological factors (light environment, predation strategy, and environmental medium) strongly predict how visual acuity evolves in a compound eye.

Collecting Stomatopod Larvae
Stomatopod Larvae

2020

Using mantis shrimp larvae as a case study, my colleagues and I present a newer, faster way to monitor the biodiversity of bottom-dwelling invertebrates using DNA barcode sampling of their larvae in open water. A nice summary of the paper is on the Nature Research Ecology and Evolution Blog HERE.

2020

A kinematic study of mantis shrimp strikes performed in air vs. water. Unexpectedly, mantis shrimp strike much faster in water than they do in air!

2019

A new paper in Current Biology describing a new type of photonic structure used to modify animal vision, discovered in mantis shrimp larvae. Check out my Video Abstract for a full overview of the paper or click the picture to go straight to the paper!

2019

A DIY electromyogram system for recording from mantis shrimp strike muscles while they strike! Published in collaboration with Backyard Brains by my talented undergrad mentee.

2017

This work presents the idea that evolution can select light polarizing structures for other reasons, like to simply improve the reflectivity of a material.

2016

A study that demonstrates the diversity of photoreceptor spectral sensitvities among larval species, despite their occupation of the same open water habitat.

2014

An electrophysiological study on visual sensitivity changes during a stomatopod’s bizarre eye development.

2014

In this publication I  provide evidence that the green, blue, or gold glitter in mantis shrimp larval eyes may serve as a camouflage in the open ocean where larvae live.

2013

I helped develop DNA barcoding as technique for identifying wild-caught larvae after use in an experiment. This is a molecular and morphological guide to two species larval species I worked with.

2009

My first publication. During this study I didn’t just characterize the molecular opsins expressed in a bat retina, I launched my career in integrative vision research!