Rafa Rodríguez

Rafa Rodríguez is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, affiliated with the College of Letters & Science. His research focuses on evolutionary biology and animal behavior, particularly the interplay between communication systems, sexual selection, and ecological adaptation. He holds a PhD from the University of Kansas (2002) and earlier degrees from the University of Costa Rica (MS, 1996; BS, 1991).

• Education:
• PhD, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology/Entomology, University of Kansas, 2002
• MS, Biology, University of Costa Rica, 1996
• BS, Biology, University of Costa Rica, 1991

His research interests include substrate-borne vibrational communication in insects, phenotypic plasticity in mating signals, and how sexual and ecological selection influence speciation. He also investigates memory and predatory behavior in web spiders. His work bridges evolutionary theory with empirical studies of animal behavior.

Dr. Rodríguez has published extensively on topics such as mate preference evolution, genotype-environment interactions, and the role of communication in speciation. His research often integrates experimental, observational, and phylogenetic methods.

He maintains an active research website (http://www.preferencefunctions.org/) detailing ongoing projects and collaboration opportunities. While no specific grants or awards are listed, his publications reflect sustained engagement with fundamental questions in evolutionary biology.