The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Research Area is a dynamic and cohesive research and teaching community. Our focal research areas are Animal Behavior and Sensory Ecology, Ecological and Evolutionary Consequences of Human Impacts, Ecology of Emerging Infectious Diseases, and Evolutionary Genomics. Many faculty members belong to multiple focus areas, and these areas include faculty from other departments due to the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research programs and We use laboratory, field, and computational methods to study individuals, populations and communities in Indiana and around the world, and we strive to contribute to the important role of life scientists in effectively communicating biological principles in the classroom and beyond.<br><br>Our community maintains a strong commitment to graduate and undergraduate education and training in the biological sciences, This commitment is realized in our approach to mentoring our students. Our courses provide a firm academic foundation for our students, and our research programs provide opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students to develop skills in a broad range of techniques and investigative approaches, Graduate students in our area work closely with faculty mentors on a diverse range of projects that may be directly aligned with their advisor's research program or designed primarily by the student, Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research projects with the guidance of a major professor and/or graduate student. Members of our cluster meet weekly for our EcoLunch seminar series that provides a casual yet critical forum for Purdue students, faculty and visiting scientists to present their research and Alumni from our program have successfully pursued careers in academia, conservation and education.