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.
Avi Khanna (he/they)
EBE PhD student
After graduating with a BS in Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of Rochester, I’m now pursuing a PhD in the Rohner Lab. I love questions about the environment’s selective influence on insects’ underappreciated variations in form and function, so I’ve found myself fascinated with sexually-transmitted symbiosis between dung beetles and genital nematodes! In the past, I’ve also worked with paper wasps in the genus Mischocyttarus to answer questions about morphological plasticity. In my free time, I love exploring local habitats and putting my bug net to good use by filling out my iNaturalist sightings!
Arunima Prakash (she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a third-year undergraduate student studying Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution with a minor in Marine Science. I am particularly interested in learning about how insect behaviors reflect and influence their changing environment, but I am passionate about the ecology and conservation of arthropods in general. With the Rohner Lab, I am studying the evolution of maternal care in dung beetles by looking at variation in offspring brood chambers. In my free time, I like clay sculpture, playing the flute, and making origami.
Gianna Meays (she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a third year undergraduate majoring in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution with a minor in Marine Science. I will be studying melanin plasticity in the black scavenger fly (Sepsis neocynipsea) in response to different environmental conditions like nutrition and temperature. I am particularly interested in understanding how these flies have adapted as a result of climate change. In my free time, I love baking, running, and going to the beach!
Sarah Britton (she/her)
Postdoctoral Researcher
I am a PhD graduate from the University of Arizona where I studied the adaptive value of melanin pigmentation plasticity in the white-lined sphinx moth. I am generally interested in the evolution of adaptive plasticity, from the genetic and molecular mechanisms to the ultimate explanations. I am using both dung beetles and black scavenger flies to investigate nutritional plasticity. In my free time, I like to rock climb, run, hike, and generally explore the outdoors.
Ian Hicke (he/him)
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a third year undergraduate studying ecology, behavior, and evolution in the biological sciences department and education studies. I am interested in looking at insect communities and how they differ with native and non-native influences. I hope to become an educator to share my passion for biology to others. In my free time I like to read, crochet, and journal.
Luke Lu (he/him)
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Human Biology. I am particularly interested in insect-microbe interactions, especially the role of gut microbiota in the development and physiology of stag beetles. At the Rohner Lab, I hope to explore the mechanisms underlying morphological development in dung beetles, particularly how genetic and microbial factors may influence these processes. I have spent much of my free time on the captive breeding and rearing of stag beetles, particularly those in the genus Dorcus. Since starting my studies at UC San Diego, my interests have gradually expanded toward field collecting and specimen collection, especially beetles in the genera Platycerus and Protaetia. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, exploring forests, and woodworking.
Ebony Michelle Argaez (she/her/ella)
Graduate Student
I am a PhD student in the Department of Biological Sciences and joined the Rohner lab in 2024. I completed my MSc in Entomology at the University of Maryland under the guidance of Dr. Leslie Pick, where I focused on evaluating the effectiveness and risk of RNA interference in the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus. Currently I am interested in studying the origin of diversity and exploring the molecular and physiological mechanisms that determine developmental plasticity. I enjoy engaging with our local community through outreach, promote cultural awareness and provide a stronger and supportive community to underrepresented minorities. I love to bake and enjoy spending time under the sun.
Christopher Wootton
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a first year undergraduate majoring in Environmental Systems (Ecology, Behavior, Evolution). I plan to help study plasticity in melanin pigmentation in sepsis flies, and I hope to learn more about evolution, genetics, and insect care along the way! I enjoy baking, playing music or volleyball, and reading about sea cucumbers.
Alfonso Ruiz (he/him)
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a third-year undergraduate majoring in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution under the biological science department. Under the Rohner Lab, I will research the extent (if any) to which black scavenger flies (Sepsis neocynipsea) can adapt and evolve a resistance to environmental stressors, particularly heat, desiccation, and chemical pollution. I am a lover of nature and advocate for its protection and conservation. Furthermore, I enjoy gardening, being with friends, and rainy days!
Rohner Lab Alumni
Former postdocs
Michelle Herrera
Nathan McConnell
Lab manager
Ben Mathews, now graduate student at University of Pennsylvania
Former undergraduate students
Tracy Del Castillo, graduate student at UCSD.
Jill Walker