Dr. Lawrence Gilbert

Biography

Lawrence E. Gilbert is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas at Austin, where he also serves as the Director of the Brackenridge Field Laboratory. His research focuses on ecological evolutionary interactions, particularly exploiting the relationships among mutualists, competitors, and exploiter/victim pairs, with a special emphasis on the genus Passiflora. He conducts population studies of major herbivores, including Heliconius butterflies and the plants they interact with. His work spans field studies in diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica, Trinidad, and Venezuela, as well as controlled environment studies. Gilbert's current research investigates the dynamics of Heliconius populations, their reproductive physiology, behavior, and host partitioning within multi-species communities. He also examines the impact of pest organisms on biological variance and chemical pest control. He mentors post-doctoral researchers and graduate students in examining ecological interactions, particularly involving the invasive imported fire ant and its natural predators, Pseudacteon phorid flies.

Research Interests