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Research Interests
My research interests include biological-physical interactions in marine environments, coastal physical oceanography, spatial ecology, and ocean observing. I aim to dilute patterns in marine habitats that can be applied globally, tackling questions such as “what is the ocean’s role in the patchy distribution of plankton?”, “do marine animals use oceanographic features to navigate and feed?”, and “how is this biological hotspot maintained?”. My dissertation research investigates the role of ocean currents in transporting and locally concentrating plankton, increasing prey availability to upper trophic creatures. This involves the use of High Frequency Radars, ocean models, in situ measurements from optical and acoustic sensors, satellite observations, and novel applications of Lagrangian Coherent Structures.
Short History
Growing up near fishing towns in the Boston area, the ocean was part of my everyday life. I got my first taste for research at an internship with Cell Signaling Technology where I worked in antibody production and have been hooked ever since. While pursuing a BS in Biophysics at the George Washington University I worked as a laboratory assistant in the Immunology Department breeding and genotyping mice for parasitology research. While fascinated by the research that was taking place, I knew I needed to find my way out of the mouse room. After spending a few summers as a wilderness guide in the woods of northern Maine, I decided to combine my love for research and the outdoors. I joined the GW Coastal Ecology lab as their first ever physics student, and it was there that I began using physics to tackle complex ecological problems. I came aboard RUCOOL in 2019 under the advisory of Dr. Josh Kohut, and have since expanded my repertoire of ocean observing techniques, gained field experience in polar and mid latitude ecosystems, and refined my research goals. After completing my degree at Rutgers, I hope to pursue a career that allows me to follow my own curiosities, serve in a mentoring position, and work in interdisciplinary teams. Outside of work, you can find me leading outdoor adventure trips hiking, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, and rock climbing!
Education
2019, B.S. Biophysics, The George Washington University
2019-Present, PhD Student, Graduate Program in Oceanography, Rutgers University