Hi am an Associate Professor of Biology at Cape Breton University from Miami, Florida.

 I specialize in behavioural neuroendocrinology — how the nervous and endocrine systems interact to shape behaviour and how these processes evolve. Since establishing the Electric Fish Behavioural Neuroendocrinology Lab in 2012, my research has focused on the neuroendocrine mechanisms electric fish use to modify their communication signals during social interactions. The lab trains students in diverse techniques including molecular biology, endocrinology, pharmacology, histology, microscopy, behavioural analysis, and electric signal recording. 

B.Sc Biology Honours student, PreMed (PreHealth) Society Secretary.

Hi There! I'm a Fourth Year BSc Biology (Honours) Student at CBU. 

Over the past four years, I’ve contributed to diverse research projects including fish husbandry and science communication/data management in the Behavioural Neuroendocrinology Lab, as well as invasive fish aging, environmental biology fieldwork, and microbiology across other research groups at CBU. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, cooking, working out, and driving. My goal is to take the skills and experiences I’ve gained in multiple laboratory environments into graduate school and continue developing as a scientist 

2024 BSc Biology Honours

Thesis/Project: Circadian regulation of gene expressionin the electric organ of the gymnotiform fish Brachyhypopomus gauderio.

Present Position: BEdstudent, Cape Breton University 

2024 Research Assistant​

Thesis/Project: Development of a non-invasive genetic method​

to identify the sex of juvenile electric fish.​

Present Position: BSc Biology graduate, Cape Breton University​

2022 Science Communication & Data Management Assistant​

Present Position: Scientist I, Verschuren Centre

2022 Fish Husbandry Assistant​

Present Position: BSc Student, Cape Breton University​

2020 Fish Care Technician​

Present Position: BEd Student, Cape Breton University​

2019 BSc Biology Honours​

Thesis/Project: Characterization of IGF-IIA and IGF-IIB proteins​ and differential temporal and sex-linked expression ​of igf2b, atp1a2a, and scn4aa genes in the electric organ​ of the gymnotiform fish Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: PhD Student, University of Toronto​

2018 Research Assistant/Fish Care Technician​

Thesis/Project: Optimization of a breeding protocol for a captive-reared​ indoor electric fish colony.​

Present Position: Occupational Therapist​

2018 Fish Care Technician​

Present Position: MSc graduate, Bremen University​

2018 BSc Biology Honours​

Thesis/Project: Sex-specific circadian regulation of melanocortin receptor 5 and androgen receptor expression in the electric organ of Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: Postdoc, Dalhousie University​

2016 BSc Biology Honours​

Thesis/Project: Molecular characterization of androgen​ and melanocortin receptors in the electric organ of the gymnotiform fish Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: Pharmacist

2016 BSc Biology Honours​

Thesis/Project: Characterizing patterns of voltage-gated sodium channels and sodium-potassium pumps in the electric organ of Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: Family Doctor

2015 Research Assistant/Fish Care Technician​

Thesis/Project: Molecular characterization of the serotonin receptor 2A in Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: Family Doctor

2014 BSc Biology Honours​

Thesis/Project: Serotonergic regulation of aggressive behaviours and cortisol levels in the gymnotiform fish Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: Pharmacist

2014 Research Assistant​

Thesis/Project: Molecular characterization of serotonin receptors in Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: Registered Nurse

2013 BSc Biology Honours​

Thesis/Project: Relating heterogeneity in the EOD waveform​ to electrocyte anatomy in adult weakly electric fish Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: Doctor of Optometry, Island EyeCare, Sydney, NS

2012 Research Assistant​

Thesis/Project: Developmental changes in abundance and distribution of tuberous electroreceptors in the gymnotiform fish Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: Family Doctor

2012 BSc Biology Honours​

Thesis/Project: The effect of social isolation on the social competence of male gymnotiform fish ​Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: MSc, Research Biologist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

2012 BSc Biology Honours​

Thesis/Project: Ontogenetic characterization of the sodium channel Nav1.4 and the structural changes of the gymnotiform fish Brachyhypopomus gauderio.​

Present Position: Registered Nurse

2010 BSc Biology Honours​

Thesis/Project: The effect of local non-surgical treatment​ on the improvement of shoulder tendonitis symptoms.​

Present Position: Family Doctor