I am a comparative physiologist who uses insects to study how animals have, and continue to, adapt to extreme environments. The overarching theme of my research is understanding how organisms perceive changes in the environment and translate these signals into phenotypic changes that improve their ability to survive. I use the phenomenon of insect diapause, a complex phenotypic response to seasonal changes in the environment, as a model to answer this question. I love teaching about wild and weird plants, animals, and microbes that share Earth with us. I am passionate about bridging the perceived gap between science and faith.