My primary research interests surround the phylogenetics, systematics, and evolution of cynipoid wasps (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea). My earlier research focused on phylogeny and historical biogeography of the “macrocynipoid” wasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea) parasitizing wood-boring insects using morphology characters to reconstruct phylogeny. My systematic work also includes taxonomical studies, including revisions and description of new species. My coauthors and I have described 90 new species of the liopterid genus Paramblynotus in a recent systematic treatment of the genus.
In recent years, my research interests have expanded to include related fields under the umbrella theme of evolution, including mating pattern and population structure of the American beaver, population genetics and conservation of red squirrels in Eastern Illinois, phenotypic plasticity and adaptation of grasshoppers, and diversity and evolution of Wolbachia associated with cynipid gall communities, and host plant mediated speciation in Cynipidae.