Using in situ monitoring, field experiments, and long-term manipulative laboratory studies, my research aims to better understand physiological and ecological changes to individual organisms (e.g. corals, algae), species interactions, and ecosystems.
coral Reef Ecology, physiology
& biogeochemisty
As a postdoctoral research fellow in the Coral Reef Ecosystems Laboratory at the University of Queensland, I have led the compilation and analysis of a census-based carbonate budget of Heron Reef. I am also leading a project funded in part by the National Geographic Society that is investigating the potential trade-offs (or compromises) made by so called "coral winners" following recent thermal stress events.
Additionally, I am a core member of the XL Catlin Seaview Survey, participating in over 10 expeditions as a research scientist, scientific diver and data manager. |
Coral Reefs under climate change
As a postdoctoral researcher in the Barott lab at the University of Pennsylvania, we are investigating if climate-proof corals exist within extreme environments that already experience temperature and pH conditions projected for future reefs. Specifically, our current research focuses on acidification resilience and if corals native to habitats with extreme daily changes in pH are better suited to survive under acidification stress. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation.
As a postdoctoral research fellow in the Coral Reef Ecosystems Laboratory at the University of Queensland, my research focused on exploring the relationships between environmental conditions and coral reef ecosystem dynamics under present day and future conditions. Using large scale flow-through mesocosms containing representative reef ecosystems (including hard corals, macroalgae, fish, sediments), we are exploring the interactive effects of ocean warming and acidification on the ability of reefs to accumulate calcium carbonate under future conditions.
As a postdoctoral research fellow in the Coral Reef Ecosystems Laboratory at the University of Queensland, my research focused on exploring the relationships between environmental conditions and coral reef ecosystem dynamics under present day and future conditions. Using large scale flow-through mesocosms containing representative reef ecosystems (including hard corals, macroalgae, fish, sediments), we are exploring the interactive effects of ocean warming and acidification on the ability of reefs to accumulate calcium carbonate under future conditions.
MACROALGAE DYNAMICS & CORAL-ALGAL INTERACTIONS
Anthropogenic activities, such as land-clearing and fertilization for agriculture, the loss of herbivores due to overexploitation, or thermal stress, can lead to reductions in reef-building coral and increases in macroalgal cover. An increase in the abundance of macroalgae can lead to increases in coral-algal competition, which may play an important role in the degradation of coral reefs .
As part of my doctoral research in the ARC Centre for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at the University of Queensland, I completed a series of studies and experiments that improved our understanding of how seasonal, local (e.g., eutrophication), and global changes (e.g., ocean warming) influence benthic community structure with a focus on coral and macroalgal communities and their competitive interactions.
As part of my doctoral research in the ARC Centre for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at the University of Queensland, I completed a series of studies and experiments that improved our understanding of how seasonal, local (e.g., eutrophication), and global changes (e.g., ocean warming) influence benthic community structure with a focus on coral and macroalgal communities and their competitive interactions.