Patrick Rohner (he/him)
Assistant Professor
I study how developing organisms respond to changing environments and how such developmental plasticity, once in existence, affects evolution on different time scales. I approach these questions primarily using dung beetles and black scavenger flies as model systems, although I work with various invertebrates. I am originally from Switzerland and speak German (well … Swiss German to be precise) and a little bit of French. When I am not at work, I like hiking and baking, and I am an avid listener of progressive house.
Ben Mathews (he/him)
Lab Manager / Research Assistant
I am a recent graduate of Bowdoin College working in the Rohner Lab as a Lab Manager and Research Assistant. I’m interested in studying the ability of economically relevant insect systems, such as black scavenger flies and dung beetles, to survive and adapt under various agricultural and abiotic stressors. During my free time I enjoy surfing, hiking, reading, and running.
Jill Walker (she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a third year undergraduate student at UCSD, studying ecology, behavior, and evolution in the department of biological sciences. I’m curious about the various consequences of the Anthropocene on our interconnecting biosphere. With the Rohner Lab, I will study the impact of ecologically relevant environmental conditions on the mortality, development, and reproduction of sepsid flies. I’m curious about how climate change and agricultural activity might have a collective impact on these fly populations. Outside of the lab, I love spending time with friends, going on runs, cooking, or making any kind of art.
Juliana Loaiza (she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a third-year undergraduate majoring in Environmental Systems (Ecology, Behavior, Evolution) at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. My research interests remain broad, but I find plasticity studies and trait-based ecology to be most captivating. In light of climate change and anthropogenic activities, understanding plastic traits may help ecological and evolutionary models, restoration efforts, and other socio-environmental solutions. I am very excited to learn more about insect ecology and morphology with the Rohner Lab! Outside of school, lab, and work, I like to read, go camping, snorkel, and hang out with my friends.