ELIDA ESPINOZA is a PhD student in the Center for Urban and Structural Entomology and the FLIES Facility, co-advised by Dr. Gold and Dr. Tomberlin respectively. She received her BS in Entomology from Texas A&M University in 2012. Her current research focuses on the behavioral ecology of the red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta, in association with concomitant bacteria. She is examining the possible roles of bacteria in maintaining RIFA colony structure through brood care and nestmate interactions, foraging, and necrophoretic behavior. She is interested in the development of integrative pest management programs that will lead to the alleviation of current invasive species pests and preventive techniques for the management of future insect populations introduced to non-native habitat.