Thanks for virtually visiting the Valenta Lab!

I am an evolutionary ecologist researching the interactions between wild plants and animals and how these can be affected by human activities. My research is integrative and multi-disciplinary and combines field observations of animal foraging behavior in the tropics with diverse analytical techniques - including chemistry and spectroscopy - to quantify plant attractants and deterrents. 

My current research is focused on how fruits attract (and leaves deter) mutualists and antagonists in Kibale National Park, Uganda, and on the role of particular odorants in attracting seed dispersing animals in mainland Africa and Madagascar. I am also the co-founder and co-director of the Mad Dog Initiative (www.maddoginitiative.com), and an assistant professor at the University of Florida, in the Department of Anthropology. Interested in joining the lab? Please check out the prospective students page for more info!