We study acoustic and vibratory communication in insects and spiders. We mainly focus on where the biology and physics intersect. On the one hand, we're interested in how the morphology, physics and dynamics of a sensory system enhances its function, i.e. in embodied enhancements of cognition. We're also interested in how the animals environment, behaviour and even objects that animals make may be drawn in to assist and optimize communication.

We combine quantitative empirical work with a range of theoretical modelling Experimentally we use high precision vibrometry, neurobiology and behaviour, and in the modelling department we employ tools such as finite element analysis, multi-body dynamics, ODEs and stochastic simulations.

We take an integrative approach and attempt to combine the complete biological scale thinking about sensory systems from molecules to cells and organs, from organisms all the way up to their ecology.