Faculty Profile
Name: Christine Miller
Homepage: http://www.millerlab.net
Research Interests:
I work on the evolution of behavior and morphology. Much of my research examines sexual selection and
phenotypic plasticity in the family Coreidae, the leaf-footed bugs. I use a diverse set of research tools including behavior studies, evolutionary biology, and quantitative genetics to explore my research questions from a variety of angles.


Current Running Projects:
Biological - The role of the environment in sexual selection
Sexual selection has resulted in the evolution of some of nature's most elaborate traits such as the tails of peacocks, the antlers of elk, and the horns of beetles. While genes are undoubtably important in the expression of these traits, increasing evidence suggest that variation in the natural environment also shapes these traits. The nutrition experienced while young, the care of parents, and disease can all be important. In my lab, we work to understand the influence of natural environments in the evolution of these elaborate traits. We also specifically look at how this environmental variation influences male competitive success, female mate choice, and reproductive success.

These studies are done with leaf-footed bugs, and in particular the cactus bugs that live on prickly pear cactus. Males fight with each other for territories on cactus fruits, and females fly in to mate, feed, and lay eggs. The nutrition that males experience when young influences their weapons (spiny hind legs) and probably their success as well.

The lab is full for Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. The next positions available will be for Spring Semester 2010. Please email me between December 1-7, 2009 if you are interested! At that time, please send me a well-written cover letter explaining why you would like to work on this project, a resume or CV, and your grades at UF (an unofficial transcript is fine). I will be conducting interviews during the month of December and before classes start in January.

Requirements: I am looking for hard-working and motivated undergraduates to assist me in this research. In return for your commitment, you will receive training in the entire process of doing science -- observing and formulating questions, designing and conducting experiments, doing statistical analyses, and presenting your work.

Students need to have good grades, coursework in biology, enthusiasm, good inter-personal skills, and focus. You should be comfortable working with cactus (getting spines in your fingers) and working actively in the outdoors (being in decent physical shape will help). I ask that students commit to working in my laboratory for at least one full year, if not more.

Time Commitment: 10 hours/ week
Independent Study: Available
Work Study: Not Available
Salary: Not Available
Volunteer: Available
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Biological - Behavioral Ecology of insects in the wild
Undergraduate research assistant positions in insect behavioral ecology are available during spring semester 2010. The successful applicants will help investigate parent-offspring communication in Platycotis vittata (Hemiptera: Membracidae) at Ordway-Swisher Biological Station (OSBS).

Platycotis vittata are phloem-feeding insects that occur on several species of oaks at OSBS. A P. vittata family develops over the course of about a month on an oak branch. The mother defends her 30-50 offspring from invertebrate predators during this time. Mother and offspring communicate via vibrational signals through the branch, and offspring signals appear to elicit defensive behavior from the mother.

The goals of this research include investigating the function(s) of signals produced by the mother after predator encounters and assessing abundance of some known invertebrate predators.

The successful applicant will be advised by Dr. Christine Miller and will assist Jennifer Hamel (University of Missouri) in all aspects of field research, including locating P. vittata families, conducting vibrational playback experiments, and ecological sampling. Research will be conducted in the field at OSBS from late February-early April 2010. Some preparatory reading will be assigned prior to the start of field season, and the successful applicant may assist in data analysis after field research is completed.

During the field season, assistants must be able to transport themselves to and from the station and preferably work one weekday and one weekend day each week. These are non-pay research positions but can be completed for credit through University of Florida.

Students with background and interests in ecology, evolution and behavior are especially encouraged to apply, though all applicants will be considered. Interested applicants should email jahtf7@mail.missouri.edu (Jennifer Hamel)

Requirements: Hard work, motivation, enthusiasm, previous coursework in ecology, evolution, or behavior.

Time Commitment: Two days per week
Independent Study: Available
Work Study: Not Available
Salary: Not Available
Volunteer: Available
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