I am an Assistant Professor in Evolutionary Ecology at Illinois State University broadly interested in the interactions between plants, insects and their environment across scales (e.g. from individuals to species). My research focuses in understanding the ecology and evolution of plant phenotypes to biotic and abiotic factors by integrating organ-specific information (e.g., within-plant interactions); the changes in direction and intensity of species interactions along environmental gradients (e.g., geographic patterns); and the resilience of plant-insect interactions to rapid environmental changes (e.g., climate change). To do so, I combine plant and insect metabolomics, geographical surveys, population genetics, and molecular techniques in greenhouse and field settings to elucidate the drivers that govern species interactions. I am also devoted to educating and motivating students interested in biological sciences to be critical thinkers and problem solvers through their continuous involvement in real world research experiences.