Dr. Casey Philbin
Dr. Philbin explores phytochemical ecometabolomics using a state-of-the-art Agilent 6560 IM-QTOF mass spectrometer. His research ranges from phytochemically mediated plant-insect interactions to the metabolic fate of phytochemicals in the gut and biofluids of herbivores. Working with Dr. Richards he investigates the influence of phytochemical diversity on plant-herbivore interactions across different ecological gradients and at various scales. Most recently, he has begun to develop techniques for integrating Community and Traditional ecological Knowledge with metabolomic data to develop a deeper understanding of how chemistry can inform how humans have and continue to interact with ecological communities. |
Ericka Kay - co-advised PhD student
Ericka is interested in phytochemically mediated interactions between industrial hemp and its herbivore community with a focus on the synergistic effects of complex mixtures of plant defense. website |
Devon Picklum - PhD student
Devon studies how plant-insect interactions are mediated by floral traits (eg. color and chemistry) in Sierra Nevada and Great Basin wildflowers. website |