Research

Ships can spread organisms all over the world, some of which go on to become costly invasive species. We are using network models and environmental DNA surveys of global ports to better understand and predict ship-borne invasive species.

Environmental DNA, aka "eDNA", can be used for easier and quicker surveys in some cases. Our research seeks to better understand the ecology of eDNA and to develop and apply eDNA surveys to answer key questions in ecology and conservation. 

I am fascinated by how planktonic larvae, which often look and behave a lot different than their adults, spread in the ocean. My collaborators and I use behavioral experiments, field sampling, genetics, and hydrodynamic datasets to develop larvae-tracking models that can help us identify source-sink dynamics, predict the spread of oiled crab larvae, and other phenomena that can help us sustainably manage our coastal ecosystems. 

Biofouling communities are incredibly diverse assemblages of organisms that colonize submerged hard surfaces. They provide a great system for testing ecological theories, and also represent an important mode of non-indigenous species spread. I use field experiments, surveys, genetics, and demographic models to better understand these communities, whether they be on natural substrates in the Pacific Northwest, sea chests on commercial ships, or on algae in the Great Lakes.

Dragonflies are fascinating insects that have a long-lived aquatic nymph stage. We are conducting surveys of ponds and wetlands and experiments with pesticides to determine how water quality impacts the survival and biodiversity of dragonfly nymphs.

Vernal pools, or seasonal forest ponds, are critical habitat for many species ranging from fairy shrimps to endangered salamanders. Students and I are using eDNA to explore general vernal pool communities across the landscape, and to unravel the ecology of a sexual and unisexual salamanders in the Ambystoma genus.