Research Projects

Insect Wing Multi-functionality
Neotibicen dorsatus cicada. Photo by Marianne Alleyne
Click Beetle Leg-Less Jumping Mechanism
Adult Click Beetle. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer
LEAFHOPPER BROCHOSOME INSPIRED BIOMATERIALS
A leafhopper (Erythroneura octonotata) and the brochosomes that coat its wings and body. Photo by Elizabeth Bello
Morphological Characteristics and Functioning of Grasshopper and Dragonfly wings
Diffraction Grating in Beetles
Beetles like Selenophorus opalinus exhibit iridescence due to diffraction grating. As these beetles burrow in soil and decaying wood, and under leaf litter, their dorsal cuticle touches the substrate. We hypothesize that the presence of diffraction gratings affects tribological (friction, drag) performance. Art work by Olivia Boyd.
ELECTROSTATIC FORCES IN BEEs
ELECTROSTATIC FORCES IN BEE
Hairy bees collect positive surface charge while flying through electric fields. The accumulation of charges on the surface of hairs allows them to act as mechanosensors for biologically relevant electric fields and can even help facilitate processes in pollination. This project aims to describe how structures of individual hairs affect their ability to accumulate charge and modulate weak electric fields.
Tick Haller’s Organ
Tick Haller’s Organ. Picture by Tanya Josek
B.IE Algorithm
Bee swarm. Picture by
Arvydas Simbelis, Flickr.com (https://flic.kr/p/9YNwRG)

rrttt