As a part of Dr. Terrie Williams's lab, I studied the thermoregulatory response of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) to anthropogenic disturbance.
As a part of Dr. Rita Mehta's lab, I studied the hunting/feeding behavior of the California two-spot octopus (Octopus bimaculoides), specifically in the contexts of different prey types and temperature effects. One manuscript is currently in review.
In my previous master's work, I examined the complexities of how successful partnerships are formed to conserve natural resources and protect endangered species on US military installations. The research was published in Human Dimensions of Wildlife, and can be found here.
The Mehta Lab, at UCSC, has an ongoing field research program on Santa Catalina Island studying the ecological impact, demographics, and feeding behavior of California moray eels (Gymnothorax mordax). I have been lucky enough to participate in the fieldwork the past two seasons!
The snow never melts
in the ears of trolls
that have turned to stone
at dawn on the moors.
~ Sigurbjord Prastardottir, Ice Age