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I am an ecologist who is broadly interested in understanding the causes and consequences of space-time ecological patterns in populations, communities, and ecosystems. Many recurring themes in my work draw on the science of complex systems, such as scale, stability, networks, and synchronization. The main focus of my current research is to understand patterns and mechanisms of synchrony in ecology, at scales from individuals to ecosystems, the cross-scale effects of synchrony, and the implications of synchrony for conservation and natural resource management. Synchrony refers to the tendency for particular variables to fluctuate through time in unison. Synchrony has major implications for the stability of natural systems, and manifests in human concerns including species extinctions and outbreaks of pests and disease.

As a quantitative ecologist, my main tools are statistical analyses and mathematical models, and many of my research projects involve developing new models and analytical tools, or adapting existing ones to new contexts. My current work focuses on the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems and organisms that inhabit them. My research is driven both by my curiosity about the inner workings of the natural world, as well as by its applications to human concerns and well-being, and I work with practitioners both to identify impactful research questions and to implement solutions. More information about my current research projects can be found on the Research page of this website.

I am currently a Senior Reasercher in the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis. I also have a Visiting Scholar appointment in the University of Virginia Department of Environmental Sciences.

I also co-host a podcast called "Major Revisions" that comments on topics in ecology and academia from the perspective of no longer quite-so-early-career scientists. While we're not currently recording new episodes, our archive is available on most major podcasting platforms and our website.