I am as fascinated by the ecological dynamics in 1m2 of tropical leaf litter as by those driving latitudinal gradients of diversity. Working on Barro Colorado Island in the Republic of Panama, my current research follows a host of macro- and micronutrients as they flow through the brown food web from soil dwelling fungi to army ants.

I achieved a Licenciatura degree in Biological Sciences in Quito, Ecuador. My past research included studies on morphological variability of vampire bats skulls and a small taxonomic review in the ant genus Leptanilloides. My current research interests aim to clarify the input of ants in natural communities and I am working on a taxonomic review of the ant genus Tatuidris using morphological and molecular data.

When once asked why I decided to be a biologist, I answered “volvox”. It turns out that when one answers these type of questions with the name of an organism, it’s a sure bet your headed for a career in ecology or evolutionary biology. I now study the effects of small, litter-dwellings ants on the micro-arthropods of the brown food web, and want to contribute to the larger field Walt Tschinkel calls ‘Insect sociometry’.

I earned a degree in Screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University because I enjoyed story-telling, analyzing literature and cinema, but science has been, by far, the best story ever told. It fulfills my passion for living organisms and my love for the infinite intricacies nature delivers.

The first time I heard my heart beat through a stethoscope was the day I knew that I wanted to be a doctor. Pursuing my passion has been hard, challenging, but mostly rewarding, because I get to do what I love everyday. Along the way, the Ant lab taught me to broaden my horizons and really respect the environment that I live in.

Dr. Leeanne Alonso worked on the Ant Macroecology, and is now director of RAP surveys for Conservation International.

Dr. Steve Yanoviak began our continuing canopy-litter studies, was the lead investigator on the gliding ant work, and has become a leading investigator in canopy entomology.He is now an assistant Professor at UArkansas-Little Rock

Mike Weiser worked on the Ant Macroecology project developing a morphometric picture of the ant communities. He is now a postdoc at North Carolina State.

Mary Johnston worked on the studies, was the Brown Food Web project and explored how diversity of oribatid mites varied across tree species. She is now a Ph. D. student at the University of Texas.

Shelly Sedberry helped begin our studies of micronutrient limitation of brown food webs. She is now a Ph.D. student in Chemistry at the University of Oklahoma.

Ysabel Milton's undergraduate honor's thesis explored the role of nutrients and microbivores on decomposition. She in Boston applying to graduate school.

Julie Morrison was the AntLab's first Lab Manager while she was preparing to enter dental school. She is now at the OU School of Dentistry