I am interested in the causes, consequences, and maintenance of biological diversity. My research integrates studies on (1) how interactions between species evolve and persist, (2) what factors promote and constrain coevolutionary processes, (3) how interactions structure multispecies communities, and (4) which mechanisms promote the long-term maintenance of biological diversity.

My research involves theoretical explorations of these issues with laboratory and field studies in relevant ecological systems. I have worked on a number of taxa (i.e., breeding bird communities, red crossbills, and moths), but my primary empirical focus is on two study systems: (1) large-seeded pines, the birds they rely upon for seed dispersal (Clarks Nutcrackers Nucifraga columbiana) and the pines primary seed predator (pine squirrels Tamiasciurus species) found in subalpine communities across western North America, and (2) damselfly communities found in lakes and ponds throughout North America.