Funding Source: National Science Foundation Award #2002354 – Phenotypic plasticity refers to the ability of an organism to generate distinct morphological, behavioral or metabolic changes in response to environmental changes. Laboratory and theoretical research has shown that phenotypic plasticity may play an important role in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of species, although the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Research in our lab investigates the molecular and physiological basis of phenotypic plasticity in artificially selected insects that exhibit distinct amounts of plasticity and aims to identify key regulators of hormonal systems. Much of the work is carried out by students at Wellesley College. Determining the molecular mechanism by which phenotypic plasticity evolves has implications for our understanding of evolution and may also help identify novel regulators that may serve as potential targets for pest management.