Dr. Caroline Simmrita Chaboo
For Perspective Students

Student research in the Chaboo lab.

My research focuses on the biology, behavior and systematics of chrysomelid leaf beetles. After developing a hypothesis of broad evolutionary relationships, I am now looking more closely at small groups, collecting and incorporating data from beetle life history, host plant choices, and insect defenses. My goals are to refine evolutionary relationships, improve current classification schemes, and examine the evolution of various features, e.g., host plant choice, maternal care, gregariousness, construction behavior and morphology. I will guide students in developing a project within this research program or in an allied area.

Undergraduate Research.
I have opportunities for interested students to conduct quality research in the biology and systematics of leaf beetles. Students design a project, depending on their background and interests, that gives field and laboratory skills and training to help understand the scientific enterprise, research in museums, and Entomology as a career. A research plan is first presented and critiqued before starting the research. A presentation and a small scientific paper are expected. The George Gould Undergraduate Research Award in Entomology or University Undergraduate Research Awards may support research.

This year, we will identify field sites in Kansas for studying and collecting beetles. Students will be trained in field collection methods, insect rearing and preservation, and preparation for a museum collection, and basic identification. Field studies will follow individual Kansas species on their host plants to investigate their interactions, predator and parasitoid enemies, and the factors that influence survival. These data will help us understand the composition and ecology of the Kansas chrysomelid fauna. Laboratory study will emphasize tools used in resolving evolutionary relationships.

Graduate Research.
Masters and Doctoral students who love insects and are interested in systematics and evolution of insects are encouraged to contact me.

It is important that graduate students learn to identify interesting research questions, design a plan of research, and execute the study. I expect to work closely with masters students so that they acquire the requisite coursework, skills and training to conduct research independently. Doctoral students are encouraged to define non-chrysomelid or chrysomelid or focus taxa for systematic and evolutionary research.