Dr. Sara DeLeon

Dr. Sara DeLeon is broadly interested in the complex abiotic and biotic factors that influence animal behavior. Organisms face many types of interacting forces that shape their behavior (i.e. food limitation, competition, predation, anthropogenic disturbances) which can all contribute to complex behaviors that characterize both individuals and species. Sara is interested in investigating such drivers of animal behavior, with a focus on animal communication strategies.

Current project

Insects have been successfully using evolutionarily conserved antibiotic substances for millennia, while humans are continuously challenged with issues of antibiotic resistance. Using a combination of behavioral assays and chemical analysis, Sara is investigating the strategies that insects apply for continued success of their chemical secretions.

Other research interests

Sara is interested in the consequences of anthropogenic disturbances that affect the behavior of animals. In particular, she has conducted research on the effects of chemical pollution (PCBs) on the species-specific reproductive behavior of songbirds. Sara has also conducted research on the evolution of brain structures in social insects and is committed to integrating neurological and behavioral toxicology studies.