Mantis shrimp contest. Credit: Roy Caldwell
Credit: Roy Caldwell

Welcome to my research website! I am a Professional Researcher in the Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

My research uses integrative approaches to understand how animals gather information and make decisions in contexts from competition to mate choice. I study this assessment from its mechanisms (biomechanics and physiology), through its behaviors, up to its implications for ecology and evolution.

I am also passionate about connecting my research to the broader community through teaching, mentoring, and outreach.

Areas of Research

Principal Investigator

Professional Researcher

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What behaviors do animals use when gathering information about themselves, each other, and their environments?
What physical mechanisms allow animals to gather and use information?
How do groups of social-living animals assess other groups and make collective decisions?
How do perceptual systems affect the behavior and evolution of assessment?