Microbial Ecology, Microbiome Function, Genetics, Evolution, Behavioral Ecology: Dr. Mueller's research aims at understanding the evolution of organismal interactions, particularly the evolution of mutualisms. Students are encouraged to develop their own independent research projects. The Mueller Lab offers several undergraduate research opportunities each semester: (1) ANIMAL BEHAVIOR: Behavioral observation and experimentation of insects. (2) MICROBIOLOGY: Culturing of fungi; preparation of fungal cultures for DNA work; sterile vouchering of live fungal collections; preparation of microbiological growth media. (3) PLANT SYMBIOSES: Microbial communities of the rhizosphere.