My research centers on the ecological dynamics that underlie plant/insect interactions.  In my MS thesis research I am examining how the distribution and abundance of the obligate gall-forming cynipid wasp, Belonocnema treatae is affected by its host plants’ (Plateau Live Oak) defense mechanism, also known as Hypersensitive response (HR). This research will help illuminate the role that HR may play in determining the striking among-plant variation in gall former density that is observed in this system. In addition my research will address whether HR is involved in producing demic adaptation at the level of individual trees that is observed in this system. 

 I am interested in population genetics and evolutionary ecology, and the mechanisms of species divergence. I am studying the role and importance of host plant specialization as a barrier to gene flow in the juniper hairstreak butterfly, Mitoura gryneus. Mitoura use juniper trees (Juniperus ashei, J. virginiana, and J. pinchotii) as host plants in different regions of Texas. I will compare populations in terms of host plant preference and fitness on the preferred host, as well as genetic differentiation based on host plant use, for populations that occur together and in geographically separate areas.

The Peck's Cave Amphipod (Stygobromus pecki) is a federally endangered subterranean invertebrate making its home in the Edward's Aquifer.  My current research uses population genetic and phylogenetic tools to investigate the evolutionary relationships between S. pecki and other members of the genus and to identify evolutionary significant units (ESUs) within S. pecki for conservation management. These data will provide a better understanding of these spring-adapted organisms and may lead to new knowledge about the hydrogeological features of the Edward's Aquifer that may provide conduits for gene flow among populations and spring sites.

 I am interested in herpetology, population and conservation biology, and phylogenetics.  My research will center on isolated populations of Mottled Rock Rattlesnakes (Crotalus lepidus lepidus) in West Texas.  I plan to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships among the isolated populations while looking at potential speciation occurring in two color morphs.  I also plan on looking at genetic variation and how it is affected by migration rates, population size, and degree of isolation.  

My research currently includes examining the water source of trees on the Edwards Plateau and where their roots are in a karst system. By growing in a karst region, trees must be able to send their roots through rocky substrate to find water, whether it be in the soil, epikarst, or from the aquifer itself. I am also studying the hydraulic conductivity differences between Quercus sp. and Juniperus sp. that grow on the Edwards Plateau and the cogeneric species that grow on the Blackland Prairies. In general, I am interested in invasive plant species and woody encroachment and the reasons that make this possible.

I will measure the degree of genetic differentiation among populations as well as between light and dark morphs of the dimorphic coastal waterbird, the Reddish Egret.  This research will determine the extent of gene flow among separated populations and the degree of assortative mating among color morphs.  Results from this research will also clarify uncertain subspecies classifications and illuminate the evolutionary significant unit to be conserved in future management plans.

I am interested in avian ecology and conservation biology.  My research will investigate the utility of using occupancy modeling and binomial mixture models to monitor golden-cheeked warbler populations.  I will also investigate how the amount of area surveyed affects estimates of population parameters for several avian monitoring methods.  The results of this study have implications for understanding how survey design and statistical models can be used to accurately assess population dynamics of this endangered songbird.

Erin is interested in the study of the physiology of invasive plants and their relation to the native flora.  In the past she has looked at the allelopathic properties of the invasive, lantana camera in a dry tropical forest in southern India.  With Dr. Susan Schwinning she plans to conduct a study on the invasive grass, KR Bluestem.  The project will aim to uncover the mechanisms that cause prescribed Summer burns to be more detrimental than Winter burns on KR.  With this information a more effective management plan for removal of KR Bluestem will be developed.

I am currently studying speciation in Louisiana Iris in the swamps near Breaux Bridge, LA.  There are many forms of prezygotic isolation acting upon this system, which have ultimately facilitated the divergence of four Iris species in LA.  Among these barriers are habitat, temporal, and pollinator isolation, including pollinator fidelity and mechanical pollinator isolation.  Habitat and temporal isolation have both proven to be important in preventing admixes of divergent lineages, however, they are not complete barriers to gene flow.  Divergent pollinator syndromes have been shown to exist, and my research includes quantifying the degree to which pollinator isolation further prevents gene flow within this system, both through pollinator fidelity and mechanical pollinator isolation.

My research is an examination of dispersal among patches of breeding habitat for the Black-capped Vireo, an endangered neotropical migrant species. I am developing GIS based movement and stochastic patch occupancy models in order to provide a basis for preserve design and maintenance.

I am interested in the application of computer and mathematical models to answer biological questions.  My research currently focuses on modeling rate of depletion of a renewable resource as a function of group size and population density in Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti).  Upon completion, the model will further describe the foraging behavior of this and other socially bonding species, identify effective movement strategies in relation to group foraging, and quantify the efficiency of resource use and depletion by groups.

My research interests are in avian ecology and conservation and population biology.  For my thesis research I will test the hypothesis that detection probability is independent of variation in population density of the golden-cheeked warbler, Dendroica chrysoparia.  This research will be conducted by deploying automated sound recorders across an array of six study sites that vary in documented warbler densities.  The hypothesis being tested is a core assumption of occupancy and binomial mixture-models currently used to estimate temporal and spatial variation in occupancy rates and abundances of golden-cheeked warblers within and among populations in the Edwards Plateau of central Texas.  Rejection of the null hypothesis would necessitate revisions to the models used to estimate population parameters in this endemic and endangered species.

I am interested in issues surrounding wildlife habitat protection in the face of rapid development, especially in India. For my thesis I will be looking at the factors that influence avian species richness in the important bird areas of India. Geographic as well as socio-economic factors will be assessed and studied in order to determine best habitat quality. This information would be valuable in making decisions on prioritization of areas to be protected.