ASU Researcher Finds that Pulling the Mask Off Science Can Make a World of Difference

Over the past couple of years, ASU doctoral student Nathan Morehouse has been researching the evolution of bright coloration in butterflies, a subject he studies from a variety of angles, including the optics involved in color production, the role of nutrition in developing bright colors, and the behavioral contexts where these vivid colors are used as signals.

"I find it to be an inspiring and continuously fascinating subject to study, and expect that butterflies will keep me entertained for many years to come," says Morehouse. "However, I am also interested in the broader collection of animal colors and have done some collaborative work on penguin feathers, moth caterpillar colors, and the visual systems of flies and beetles."

Morehouse developed a fascination with insect vision and visual signals while pursuing a degree in biology at Cornell University. After applying to several graduate schools around the country, he chose ASU because of Dr. Ron Rutowski, a highly respected ASU faculty member who has spent much of his career looking at the visual lives of butterflies.

Morehouse is now working with Rutowski on his dissertation, which seeks to further understand the connection between nutrition and butterfly colors. Recently, he received a fellowship from the Faculty Emeriti Association to continue his dissertation research.

"The award is allowing me to undertake an ambitious study of the role of nutrient limitations on the production of bright colors in butterflies," he says. "Without this generous support, I wouldn't have been able to fully pursue this exciting research opportunity which will represent a key component of my dissertation."

Last year, he partnered with a fellow graduate student, Jon Davis, to construct and coordinate Graduate Partners in Science Education (GPSE), a community outreach program serving middle school students in the Phoenix area. This program provides mentoring opportunities to underrepresented students and is built on the notion that creating enthusiasm for science relies heavily on the bonds of trust between the students and their mentors.

"We are just pulling the mask off science a bit," says Morehouse. "We're showing that scientists are just normal people who are pursuing something that they feel passionate about.that science is approachable, reachable."

In April, Morehouse and Davis were recognized for their GPSE initiative when the Graduate and Professional Student Association presented with them with Graduate Mentorship Award. They are both currently busy preparing for GPSE's second year of service, which will begin in the fall.


Bottom Left: Morehouse helps students collect data for their research projects at Papago Park in Tempe. Photo by Keith Brazier.