Using data collected by the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) kelp forest monitoring program, I investigated how varying levels of MPA protections affected California sheephead wrasse (Semicossyphus pulcher) presence at Anacapa Island. Additionally, I analyzed how these changes at higher trophic levels cascade down to affect sea urchins and giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera).

Using a GNSS surveyor device and Arc GIS software, I created a series of maps to visualize the changes in ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) and California mussel (Mytilus californianus) presence in the Davenport Landing intertidal zone. These maps illustrate the impact of the 2013 mass die-off of sea stars due to the marine heatwave deemed "the blob" and the spread of sea star wasting syndrome by displaying transect data collected before and after the event by students at the University of California, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara University.

Using remote sensing data from NOAA Coastwatch ERDDAP Data Server, we analyzed seasonal changes in salinity and chlorophyll concentrations in the San Francisco Bay. We investigated the effects changes in salinity had on primary productivity in the brackish waters of the SF bay.

Using an imaging microscope, I measured the spicule lengths of purple sea urchin larvae grown in sea water conditions with varying levels of acidity. The spicule lengths were compared to determine whether increases in seawater acidity have an effect on the larval development of calcifying organisms such as sea urchins.

Using biodiversity data collected using quadrats in the intertidal zone at Davenport Landing I explored the potential for competition between solitary sea anemones (Anthopleura sola) and aggregating sea anemones (Anthopleura elegantissima) for suitable habitat.