Diversity and inclusion are more than just words for us. These are central in guiding how we come together as a research team, cultivate excellence, and go forth into the world to share our discoveries and our love of our work. If this sounds good to you, then please inquire about joining the lab!
After 17 years serving the University of Florida, Prof. Miller has decided to try something new. Please note that she will no longer be based at the University of Florida and cannot take new students and postdocs through UF. However, her research program is going strong, and she will announce her new employer soon!
Our Current Emphasis: We are excited to focus these next several years on the influence of host plants on the evolutionary interplay of morphology and behavior, specifically the growth and structure of animal weapons and the consequences for male-male competition. This current work is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Sexual selection has resulted in some of the most astonishing traits in the animal kingdom, such as the tusks, horns, and antlers used by males as they compete with rivals for mating opportunities. These and other sexually selected weapons have evolved to function physically in battle. We are examining the ways in which plants influence weapon composition, structure, and use in a fighting, herbivorous insect, the leaf-footed cactus bug, Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae). Our work on evolution and behavior embraces ecology, testing the profound effects that natural variation in nutrition can have on both the processes and outcomes of sexual selection.
Our Current Emphasis: We are excited to focus these next several years on the influence of host plants on the evolutionary interplay of morphology and behavior, specifically the growth and structure of animal weapons and the consequences for male-male competition. This current work is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Sexual selection has resulted in some of the most astonishing traits in the animal kingdom, such as the tusks, horns, and antlers used by males as they compete with rivals for mating opportunities. These and other sexually selected weapons have evolved to function physically in battle. We are examining the ways in which plants influence weapon composition, structure, and use in a fighting, herbivorous insect, the leaf-footed cactus bug, Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae). Our work on evolution and behavior embraces ecology, testing the profound effects that natural variation in nutrition can have on both the processes and outcomes of sexual selection.
Prospective graduate students
Are you considering starting graduate study in Fall 2025? I will only be able to consider students interested in living in the UK. You must have a strong background in ecology, evolution, or behavior. If this sounds like you. please email [email protected] with your CV (or resume), a cover letter, and an unofficial transcript of your grades/marks. I am particularly interested in how you see working with me will benefit your career and how you came upon an interest in behavioral ecology and evolution. Please note that no prior experience working with insects is required. Instead, I would like to see evidence that you think broadly about the important and timely questions in our field.
Postdoctoral Associates and Research Fellows
When paid postdoctoral positions are available, they will be advertised here.
I am looking to recruit independently funded Research Fellows to my group, with a start date of September 2025 or later. I can help you with every step of your application, starting with writing your proposal. Please send an email to [email protected] to discuss possible research directions.
I am looking to recruit independently funded Research Fellows to my group, with a start date of September 2025 or later. I can help you with every step of your application, starting with writing your proposal. Please send an email to [email protected] to discuss possible research directions.
Learn about Ummat's Ph.D. experience!