AN INTRODUCTION
I am a marine biologist interested in increasing knowledge of marine diversity through research, education and outreach. My research combines experimental and field ecology with genomics to understand modern threats to marine diversity. I dedicate time to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion by educating multiple audiences including K-12, undergraduate and graduate students for a fair and equitable society. I believe that increasing diversity in marine science is critical for the conservation of marine ecosystems across the globe.
RESEARCH
My research broadly fits into the topics of ecology, evolution and conservation biology. I apply many field and laboratory skills to better understand marine biology from the cellular to community scale. I've focused my recent research on global change biology and those organisms that are most at threat from climate change. I use field survey techniques and experimental ecology to link changing physical conditions to organismal response to climate change. I use organic chemistry to characterize marine natural products and test chemical ecology. I use genetic methods to better understand the genomic variability of acclimatization and adaptation among coral populations in response to climate change. For a complete list of my work experience and publications see my CV.
My research broadly fits into the topics of ecology, evolution and conservation biology. I apply many field and laboratory skills to better understand marine biology from the cellular to community scale. I've focused my recent research on global change biology and those organisms that are most at threat from climate change. I use field survey techniques and experimental ecology to link changing physical conditions to organismal response to climate change. I use organic chemistry to characterize marine natural products and test chemical ecology. I use genetic methods to better understand the genomic variability of acclimatization and adaptation among coral populations in response to climate change. For a complete list of my work experience and publications see my CV.
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UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
I'm an avid scuba diver with my dive master certification and over 1,000 dives. Spending so much time underwater has helped me to develop my photography hobby. I am constantly trying to photograph rare and weird creatures (especially invertebrates) from all around the world. These photos are a great communication tool to illustrate the amazing diversity of life in our oceans. My photos have been featured in The New York Times, CNBC, Scientific American and National Geographic Blogs. My photos have also been used in multiple books including; "Marine Flatworms The World of Polyclads" by Leslie Newman and Lester Cannon, "What on Earth" by Quentin Wheeler and Sara Pennak, "Sex in the Sea" by Marah Hardt. See some of the photos. |
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RECENT NEWS
August 2024 New Job at CSU Northridge
I've accepted a tenure track assistant professor position at California State University Northridge. I'm thrilled to be joining the Biology Department and to be involved in so much terrific marine biology research at CSUN. Reach out if you are interested in collaborations or working on a Master's degree in my lab. My research focus will continue to be on Californian Intertidal and Tropical Coral Reef Habitats.
I've accepted a tenure track assistant professor position at California State University Northridge. I'm thrilled to be joining the Biology Department and to be involved in so much terrific marine biology research at CSUN. Reach out if you are interested in collaborations or working on a Master's degree in my lab. My research focus will continue to be on Californian Intertidal and Tropical Coral Reef Habitats.
2023 Big Data in Biology Class for 5-8 grades
I taught a week long class on how to use R to crunch large datasets in Biology. These kids were amazing and they picked up R really fast, and creatively tackled every dataset that I provided. What a fun outreach event! Big thanks to Nueva School and to Dr. Brody Sandel for providing me the dataset on baby weights! If you are interested in using some of the material for this class it is all provided open access and free under the outreach tab on this website.
2018 Popular Article about Coral Restoration
A great article for Biographic about coral restoration using larvae! All part of my conservation efforts.
www.biographic.com/posts/sto/spawning-an-intervention
www.biographic.com/posts/sto/spawning-an-intervention
2018 Popular Article about Coral Bleaching
This Oceans Deeply article interviewed me about the impact of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef corals and fish!
2017 Sacred Hearts Science Symposium for Girls
Marine Diversity
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2016 BioBlitz at Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiian Rainforest Diversity
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