Rafael Rodriguez, 51ΑΤΖζ professor of biological sciences, has been elected as a in recognition of his research contributions in animal cognition and sexual selection, contained in more than 90 publications.
There have been only three previous ABS fellows from Wisconsin, and only one of those was from 51ΑΤΖζ β the late Millicent βPennyβ Ficken.
Rodriguez joined the 51ΑΤΖζ faculty in 2007. His research focuses on the causes of variation in behaviors that can help scientists understand the course of evolution. His studies have included communication, memory and mate preference, especially with insects and spiders. His research also has shown that such tiny brains show characteristics of higher intelligence.
Rodriguez has been active in the ABS, helping to organize the 2018 annual meeting at 51ΑΤΖζ and editing a special issue of the societyβs journal. He earned his masterβs degree from the University of Costa Rica and his Ph.D. in evolutionary biology and entomology from the University of Kansas.
The ABS is one of the largest professional organizations for animal behaviorists in the world, and it publishes the journal . Rodriguezβs election occurred Aug. 6 at the annual meeting of the society.
By Laura Otto, University Relations