My research focuses on the ecology and evolutionary biology of herbivorous insects. My main interests center on understanding the determinants of the genetic differentiation of populations. Thus, I have examined the influence of temporal isolation, geographic isolation, dispersal strategies, and diet breadth on the degree to which populations are genetically subdivided. Currently, I am using this perspective to understand the evolution of reproductive barriers between hybridizing beetles. A second area of interest focuses on how mutualistic interactions influence both the population dynamics and community structure of herbivorous insect species on desert willows.

Chrysochus auratus male mating with Chrysochus cobaltinus female.