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Roger Hanlon is an ethologist with particular emphasis on sensory ecology of cephalopods (octopus, squid, cuttlefish, nautilus). A central focus is on the form and function of Rapid Adaptive Coloration, which is a neurally controlled system utilized in many aspects of camouflage and communication. Field studies and complementary laboratory experiments are conducted to address specific questions related to sensory perception and behavioral ecology. A main interest is in dynamic camouflage: (1) from the sensory side, determining the visual algorithm that guides pattern choice and ultrafast change (<1sec); and (2) from the behavioral side, quantifying camouflage pattern types and how they are perceived by a wide range of visual predators (fishes, marine mammals, diving birds). Discovering the neural and dermal mechanics of color change has led to collaborations with materials scientists and engineers to develop new classes of materials that change appearance based on the pigments and reflectors in cephalopod skin. This bio-inspired approach to engineering involves various high-tech and emerging technologies such as advanced microscopy instrumentation, spectrometers, HyperSpectral Imagers, autonomous underwater vehicles, and so forth. Other behavioral studies involve aspects of sexual selection signaling during male-male agonistic bouts, as well as cognitive skills such as spatial memory and episodic-like memory and how they relate to cephalopod ecology.