• 2006-2009 Postdoc, Dept. of Ecology and Evolution, Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
• 2004-2006 NSF International Research Postdoctoral Fellow, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC Canada
• 2004 Ph.D., Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
• 1998 B.A., Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH

I am fascinated by the extraordinary diversity that characterizes the natural world. Much of this diversity results from the process of adaptation, and thus a central focus of my research has been to determine how the adaptive process shapes patterns of diversification within and between populations, and ultimately how this can lead to the creation of new species (speciation). I have worked with three insect study systems (fruit flies, ants, and thrips), each providing unique advantages for addressing questions at hierarchical levels ranging from genes to communities. My research approach combines field and laboratory work on the behavior and ecology of my study organisms, with molecular approaches that include methodologies from population genetics, molecular evolution, and genomics.

• Olesnicky, E.C., Bono, J.M., Bell, L., Schachtner, L.T., and Lybecker, M.C. 2017. The RNA-binding protein Caper is required for sensory neuron development in Drosophila melanogaster. Developmental Dynamics: DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24523
• McGirr, J.A.**, Johnson, L.**, Kelly, W.**, Markow, T.A. and Bono, J.M. Reproductive isolation among Drosophila arizonae from geographically isolated regions of North America. Evol. Biol. doi:10.1007/s11692-016-9393-4.
• Noble, C.W.**, Bono, J.M., Pigage, H.K., Hale, D.W., and Pigage, J.C. 2016 Fine-scale genetic structure in female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Western North American Naturalist: 76: Article 3.
• Hoang, K.**, Matzkin, L.M., and Bono, J.M. 2015. Transcriptional variation associated with cactus host plant adaptation in Drosophila mettleri. Mol. Ecol. 24: 5186-5199.
• Bono, J.M., Olesnicky, E.C., Matzkin, L.M. 2015. Connecting genotypes, phenotypes, and fitness: harnessing the power of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Mol. Ecol. 24: 3810-3822.
• Bono, J.M.*, Matzkin, L.M.*, Hoang, K.**, Brandsmeier, L. 2015. Molecular evolution of candidate genes involved in postmating-prezygotic reproductive isolation. J. Evol. Biol. 28: 403-414.
• Castrezana, S., and Bono, J.M. 2012. Host plant adaptation in Drosophila mettleri populations. PLoS One: 7(4): e34008. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034008
• Bono, J.M.,* Matzkin, L.M.M.*, Kelleher, E.S., and Markow, T.A. 2011. Postmating transcriptional changes in reproductive tracts of con- and heterospecifically mated Drosophila mojavensis females. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 108: 7878-7883.
• Bono, J.M. and Markow, T.A. 2009. Postzygotic isolation in cactophilic Drosophila: larval viability and adult life-history traits of D. mojavensis/D. arizonae hybrids. J. Evol. Biol. 22: 1387-1395.
• Bono, J.M., Matzkin, L.M., Castrezana, S., and Markow, T.A. 2008. Molecular evolution and population genetics of two Drosophila mettleri cytochrome P450 genes involved in host plant utilization. Mol. Ecol., 17: 3211-3221.
• Bono, J.M. and Crespi, B.J. 2008. Cofoundress relatedness and group productivity in colonies of social Dunatothrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) on Australian Acacia. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol., 62: 1489-1498.
• Bono, J.M. 2007. Patterns of kleptoparasitism and inquilism in social and non social Australian Acacia thrips. Ecol. Entomol. 32: 411-418.
• Bono, J.M., Blatrix, R., Antolin, M.F., and Herbers, J.M. 2007. Pirate ants (Polyergus breviceps) and sympatric hosts (Formica occulta and F. sp. cf. argentea): host specificity and coevolutionary dynamics. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 91: 565-572.
• Bono, J.M. and Crespi, B.J. 2006. Costs and benefits of joint colony founding in Australian Acacia thrips. Insectes. Soc. 53: 489-595.
• Bono, J.M., Antolin, M.F., and Herbers, J.M. 2006. Parasite virulence and host resistance in a slave-making ant community. Evol. Ecol. Res. 8, 1117-1128.
• Bono, J.M., Gordon, E.R., Antolin, M.F. and Herbers, J.M. 2006. Slave raiding activity of one obligate (Polyergus breviceps) and two facultative (Formica puberula and F. gynocrates) slave-making ants. J. Insect Behav. 19, 429-446.
• Bono, J.M., and Herbers, J.M. 2003. Proximate and ultimate control of sex ratios in Myrmica brevispinosa colonies. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B. 270, 811-817.
• Bono, J.M. and Heithaus, E.R. 2002. Sex ratios and the distribution of elaiosomes in colonies of the ant, Aphaenogaster rudis. Insectes. Soc. 49, 320-325.

Peer-Reviewed Publications (**denotes UCCS student)

*Authors contributed equally

Bono's publications through PubMed

• BIOL 4610/5610 Methods in Evolutionary Genetics
• BIOL 4250 Evolution
• BIOL 4420/5420 Behavioral Ecology
• BIOL 4010 Senior Seminar

• Undergraduate: Please contact me
• Graduate: Please contact me

Students doing research in my lab have the opportunity to gain skills in molecular techniques such as PCR, gene sequencing, and microarray analysis, and in the design and execution of lab and field based experiments focused on questions in the fields of evolution, behavior and ecology.

• BIOL 3830 (Genetics)