About our group
Our research focuses on chemical ecology: we investigate the chemical identity, biological functions, biosynthesis, and evolutionary origins of small molecules that organisms use to interact with their environment.
Our primary model organisms are termites, ancient and ecologically important social insects. We study the chemistry and biological roles of their chemical signals and defensive compounds, the evolution and function of the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis, and their detection by the sense of smell.
Our interdisciplinary team combines chemical and biological approaches, including chemical analysis, behavioral studies, electrophysiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) of genomes and transcriptomes.
We also investigate broader aspects of termite biology, including breeding systems, ecology, physiology, and chemical taxonomy. Beyond termites, our research explores chemical ecology across a diverse range of animals, from arthropods to humans.
Publications
All publications
