My Research
Listed here are my current research projects. If you would like to know more about a specific project, please contact me.
Linking the local environment as a driver of parasitism
We are synthesizing evidence from diverse host-parasite systems to make the case that the local environment is a key component of explaining variation in host-parasite interactions.
Collaborators: Shan Huang, Xiang-Yi Li Richter
Parasite mediated population regulation
Using data from the Isle of Rum Red Deer Project, we are using theoretical models to understand how gastrointestinal helminths regulate the population of the red deer on the Isle of Rum in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.
Collaborators: Josephine M. Pemberton, Gregory F. Albery, Katie Maris, Sean Morris, Ali Morris
Testing the Warmer, Sicker World Hypothesis
Using a database of experimental studies only, we conducted a meta-analysis to understand if elevated temperatures drive an increase in parasitism across diverse host-parasite systems.
Collaborators: Justyna Wolinska, Slawek Cerbin
Host parasite network structure across biogeographical gradients
Using data from odonates across southeastern Canada, we are working on several projects to understand how aspects of the local environment affect host and parasite communities, as well as the structure of host-parasite interaction networks.
Collaborators: Lee Walker, Kaylie Pound, Robert Poulin, Alex Córdoba-Aguilar, Jean-Philippe Lessard
Testing the link between defaunation and parasitism
Using a global dataset, we are conducting a meta-analysis to understand how the loss of species diversity through anthropogenic impacts affects parasitism in natural communities
Collaborators: Fransico-Carlos Ferreira, Lis Marques, Libby Young, Daniela De Angeli Dutra, Robert Poulin, Adam Siepieliski, Rodolfo Dirzo
The drivers and consequences of parasitism in an apex predator
Using data collected from Ranthambore National Park in northern India, we are studying how local environmental conditions, prey availability, and social structure relate to parasitism in Bengal tigers.
Collaborators: Bhaavya Malpani, Uma Ramakrishnan
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Investigating core macroecological hypotheses
Using a global dataset of host plant – mistletoe parasite interactions, we are investigating evidence for classic macroecological hypotheses such as MacArthur’s Rule and Rapoport’s Rule, as well as the relationship between species range size and niche breadth.
Collaborators: Luis Santiago-Rosario, Robert Poulin
The evolutionary consequences of climate change
We are using theoretical models to understand the multifarious effects of climate change on host-parasite interactions by investigating direct thermal effects, indirect ecological effects, and evolutionary effects.
Collaborators: Kora Klein, Justyna Wolinska
