I am interested in the ecology and evolution of plant-herbivore interactions. In particular I am exploring the effect of metal hyperaccumulation on the fitness of a California native plant and on the interaction of this plant species with its herbivores and their natural enemies. My field work is done in the north area of the Six Rivers National Forest where the nickel-hyperaccumulator,Thlaspi montanum var. montanum, is found growing on serpentine soils.