Amy Savage

Graduate Student
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Current Research Project: Yellow Crazy Ant Invasion of the Samoan Archipelago: Can mutualisms with native species amplify ecological impacts?  

Graduate student Amy Savage is currently investigating the interrelationships between insects and plants. Her current research is exploring the role of novel mutualisms between the invasive yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) and native extrafloral nectar-bearing plants on both the dynamics of the invasion of Samoa and the response of native plant and arthropod communities to the invasion of this new ant in the Samoan Archipelago. Her current research takes her to the Samoan Archipelago for many months at a time. 

Originally from Great Falls, Montana, Amy holds a B.S. from Evergreen State College and an M.S. from Western Washington University. Amy is very pleased with her choice to come to Rice University for her doctorate. She states, “The faculty in the EEB department had many strengths in the areas of Ecology that I wanted to specialize in for my PhD.  Also, when I visited Rice, everyone I talked to was very engaged and passionate about their research. I found Rice to be an academic environment that fosters learning and collaboration in both formal and informal settings. Furthermore, graduate students were treated with respect and had opportunities for many close interactions with faculty and visiting scientists.” 

Amy is co-advised by professors Jennifer Rudgers and Ken Whitney in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. When reflecting on Amy as an addition to the graduate student community in the department, Dr. Whitney says, “Amy has brought a lot of energy to the table and has kept us all on our feet.  Her project combines the best of basic and applied science with the chance to both advance ecological theory and aid the conservation of tropical ecosystems. Her recent funding from the National Geographic Society shows the high level of excitement generated by her work.”

Amy indicates that she is "interested in many aspects of ecology and conservation biology, especially with respect to ant ecology and the community ecology of mutualisms. My interests include the population and community dynamics of ant protective mutualisms, invasion biology, and other interactions between ants and other organisms, through both direct and indirect pathways.” She adds that one day, “I would like a job that combines teaching and research, so my dream job would be as a professor at a University that values both.”

When not conducting research Amy can be found reading, hiking, camping, crocheting, or hanging out at Valhalla.