I am interested in how social insects are adapted to their environment, and how they influence ecosystem function. In particular, my research focuses on the termites of Central African rainforests and tropical savannas. My work combines field studies with genetics and LiDAR to understand the factors behind this hotspot of termite diversity, and role of termites in decomposition and bioturbation. I received my B.A. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University, and then spent two years working for the Environmental Defense Fund on sustainable agricultural practices in Cuba.