I am a behavioral ecologist with broad interests and a particular passion for social insects. My lab has tackled questions ranging from identifying new microbial species to documenting ecological impacts of biological invasions. We have identified novel behaviors, examined evolutionary relationships, documented fitness consequences, explored the development of traits, and sought to understand biological mechanisms. To address these topics, we have studied solitary and group living animals, we have published on microbes, invertebrates, and vertebrates, and we have used behavioral, mathematical, and laboratory techniques to answer our questions. Currently, our focus is predominantly on the nutritional ecology of honey bees and bumble bees.