
I am an ecologist and conservation scientist with a passion for finding science-driven solutions to threats facing our ocean and the people who depend on it. I am a Research Associate in the Integrative Biology Department at Oregon State University working on projects related to marine area-based conservation effectiveness. A major focus of my current work is to advance understanding of the effective biodiversity conservation outcomes from different types of protected and conserved areas, including using a tool called The MPA Guide. For more information, please see The MPA Guide website and paper in Science.
I received my PhD in Bruce Menge and Jane Lubchenco's marine community ecology lab. My research takes advantage of the diverse, well-characterized system of the Oregon coast rocky intertidal to advance the following broad ecological goals: (1) finding predictability in how climate change stressors, including ocean acidification and temperature change, will affect individuals, populations and species interactions; and (2) understanding the community effects of loss of a top predator - here, coast-wide decline of the keystone predatory sea star Pisaster ochraceus as a result of sea star wasting disease.
I am also passionate about communicating scientific research findings and methods to diverse audiences, including through enhancing public engagement with sciences and through advancing the connection of actionable, use-inspired science with policymakers and managers.
I received my PhD in Bruce Menge and Jane Lubchenco's marine community ecology lab. My research takes advantage of the diverse, well-characterized system of the Oregon coast rocky intertidal to advance the following broad ecological goals: (1) finding predictability in how climate change stressors, including ocean acidification and temperature change, will affect individuals, populations and species interactions; and (2) understanding the community effects of loss of a top predator - here, coast-wide decline of the keystone predatory sea star Pisaster ochraceus as a result of sea star wasting disease.
I am also passionate about communicating scientific research findings and methods to diverse audiences, including through enhancing public engagement with sciences and through advancing the connection of actionable, use-inspired science with policymakers and managers.