Research Areas and Interests
Coastal ecosystems provide many important ecosystem services to humans. Yet, they are subject to extensive habitat loss due to human activity. Habitat restoration is often conducted to repair the damage humans have caused, though outcomes can vary. Given this variability, scientists can investigate restoration actions so we can improve future efforts. My dissertation applies community and landscape ecology principles to better understand the outcomes of restoration aimed at providing habitats that benefit fishes and crabs. My research interests are in three broad areas:
Restoration Ecology
I am interested in informing the restoration of coastal and estuarine systems through experimentation and quantitative data synthesis
Spatial Ecology
I am interested in how species are distributed in space at multiple spatial scales, and the mechanisms that drive these patterns.
Social-Ecological Systems
I am interested in understanding human perceptions, attitudes, and influences on their environment, and vice versa.
Future Research Interests
I aim to collaborate with restoration decision-makers to apply these principles to restoration monitoring data and adaptively manage restoration programs to maximize benefits for nature and people. I am interested in the social ramifications of restoration decisions, and their influence on the long-term sustainability of restoration outcomes.
