We aim to understand the diversity, evolution, and dynamics of ecological assemblages in the tropics. To achieve this, we employ a mix of observation, field experimentation, and modeling within a diverse array of biological communities. Most of our work is undertaken in the largest and richest tropical forest on earth: the Amazon Forest. We are based at the Departmento of Biologia of the Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil.

Most of our work is about ants and other invertebrates, but we collaborate with several researchers to unravel the structure of other assemblages. The common research line between our projects aims to understand the contribution of species interactions and environmental constraints to species distribution and assemblage structure. We base our questions on ecology and evolutionary biology theories mixed with intensive fieldwork.
 
Ongoing projects 

When well articulated, education, research, and outreach activities greatly improve the learning process of students, future teachers and professors. We develop activities in these three main areas. We offer zoology of invertebrates for Biological Sciences and several classes for graduate programs in Zoology (UFAM), Entomology and Ecology (INPA). We organize workshops and seminars and, whenever possible, contribute with diverse outreach activities, such as documentaries, TV shows, and activities that link arts and science. We are also engaged with mentoring programs putting undergraduate students in close contact with graduate professionals.

Undergraduate classes

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Graduate classes:

• Eco 058 - Introdução ao uso do Programa R

• Eco 068 - Técnicas de ordenação: Introdução as análises multivariadas

• SEM I - Oficina de elaboração de projetos

• PPGZoo 502/602 - Delineamento amostral e estatística aplicada