We are interested the interactions among species (be they emus and seeds or ants and beetles) and the consequences of those interactions for patterns of diversity, distribution, and rarity. At the heart of the research in the lab is an approach that combines field experiments with large scale observational studies of the distribution of species, traits, and interactions. We ask, among other things, Why are there so many insect species in the tropics? How many species are there on earth? Where are those species concentrated? Do patterns of diversity of insects and vertebrates differ? Do patterns of extinction of insects and vertebrates differ? Do the way species interact with each other locally affect their large-scale distributions? At the surface these are simple questions we might have answered with the tools of a century ago, but for the most part they remain unanswered. Mystery still lurks around ordinary corners. If you are interested in becomming involved in the lab, contact R. Dunn at Rob_Dunn "@" ncsu.edu.