Research
Reproductive Evolution in a Changing World
Reproduction lies at the core of evolutionary fitness, yet reproductive traits are among the most rapidly evolving and environmentally sensitive components of the phenotype. We investigate how sexual and natural selection shape reproductive trait evolution in insects and how these mechanisms influence insect diversity across ecological and environmental gradients. By combining field surveys of natural populations, comparative phylogenetics, controlled laboratory experiments and genomic tools, our work bridges fundamental evolutionary biology with sustainable solutions relevant to the tropics and urban environments.
Core research themes
Reproductive Evolution
We investigate how reproductive traits (e.g. mating behaviour, female reproductive anatomy, male ornaments and ejaculates etc.) evolve under sexual and natural selection.
Photo credit: Tan Kai Xin
Eco-evolutionary Plasticity
We study how environmental factors such as resource quality, temperature and even microbial associations at different life stages influence adult reproduction.
Photo credit: Nalini Puniamoorthy
Applied Entomology
We extend evolutionary and reproductive biology principles to seek sustainable solutions for insect related challenges in ecology, agriculture and public health.
Photo credit: Phira Unadirekkul
Funding sources
