evolutionary ecology | functional morphology | materials science

Preserving biodiversity requires interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge basic science and applied conservation, enabling us to better protect species and anticipate their capacity to adapt in a rapidly changing world. This is particularly true for regions with exceptionally high levels of species richness, such as Central and South America. In this context, I aim to understand the natural forces that drive diversity and adaptation in reproductive traits, which shape the earliest and arguably most crucial life stages for the survival and persistence of organisms. This work stems from my deep experience as a Colombian ornithologist; I grew up observing and then studying the birds of Colombia, the country with the highest bird biodiversity in the world.

Evolutionary Ecology of Nest Architecture

I investigate the evolutionary ecology of nest architecture in the tyrant-flycatchers, a predominantly South American bird clade, identifying ecological and life-history factors that shape nest design.

This chapter was published as part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’ by the Royal Society.

Ocampo D, De Silva TN, Sheard C, Stoddard MC. 2023 Evolution of nest architecture in tyrant flycatchers and allies. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 378: 20220148.

Evolutionary Ecology birds' eggshells

Projects

I explore how nesting environments influence the evolution of eggshell structure, focusing on the protective cuticle layer as a natural multifunctional material.

I apply a novel, nondestructive technique to quantify three-dimensional eggshell surface topography, expanding the methodological toolkit for studying egg traits and creating opportunities for applications in bio-inspired design.

I synthesize these approaches by compiling a comprehensive eggshell trait database for the Palaeognathae, revealing broad patterns of egg diversity across this most ancient lineage of modern birds.

Avian Gut Microbiome

I'm studying nesting colonies of three Weaver birds at Mpala Research Centre (Kenya) to understand the ecological and environmental factors influencing the composition and variation of gut microbiomes.