​My research focuses largely on the ecology and behavior of spiders. Spiders are major predators in desert ecosystems. We are interested in their function as natural enemies in desert agricultural ecosystems as well as in natural desert habitats. This research has implications for conservation of biodiversity and provision of ecosystem services.

 Specific topics of study currently are 1) evolution of social behaviors, including group living, maternal care of young, 2) sexual behavior and 3) ecology of invasive species. We use observations in controlled laboratory conditions as well as in the field to unravel the selective processes that favor such traits as the varying degrees of sociality in spiders, extended maternal care of young, sexual cannibalism, and traits that promote dispersal and invasive ability.