Research topic:
Social insect colonies, housing thousands of individuals, attract a wide range of organisms, including mutualists, social parasites, and pathogens. While some ant parasites are well known for their ability to manipulate host behavior, the ecology of less charismatic ant pathogens, such as microscopic fungi, remains poorly studied and thus less understood.
My research focuses on host-parasite interactions, particularly the relationships between ants and their parasites. I investigate how parasites manipulate ant behavior and what defense mechanisms ants employ at both the individual and colony levels.
For my research, I work with several ant species, including Myrmica scabrinodis, Linepithema humile, and Formica spp., as well as various fungal parasites.
Current Projects:
• How do parasite infections influence macronutrient balancing in ants?
• Why are some individuals more susceptible to diseases than others?
