Integrative Animal Behavior

My research goals focus on understanding how mechanistic and functional factors interact to shape the evolution of vocal communication, with a particular focus on birdsong as a model system.

An important goal in Biology is to link mechanism with function for traits that affect fitness. In this way, birdsong serves as a robust model because it integrates behavioral, anatomical, neuroendocrine, and evolutionary factors. Its complexity and variability, combined with well-defined neural and hormonal mechanisms, make it an ideal system for integrative studies aimed at understanding the multifaceted nature of animal communication and its underlying biological processes.