I am interested in coastal ecosystems and especially in ecological problems that have a direct link to human systems. I believe marine science and conservation are of upmost importance for the future of our oceans. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with other biologists doing research within temperate kelp forests, coral reefs, coastal wetlands, and rivers in the northern and southern hemispheres. The areas of research have ranged widely from invasions ecology, bio-control of exotic species, development of bio-indicators of ecosystem health, and biogeography.

For my Ph. D. thesis, I studied the ecology of coastal wetlands and estuaries in California and Baja California, an endangered ecosystem with less than 10% of the historical area remaining. The California horn snail, Cerithidea californica, one of the most abundant herbivorous species in the estuaries of California and Baja California, is also the first obligate intermediate host of several species of trematode parasites. I specifically studied the effects of biotic variables (e.g., food supply, competition, predation, parasitism) and abiotic variables (e.g., temperature, light, salinity) on the distribution, abundance and performance of the California horn snails within and among wetlands throughout the snails’ northern distribution range (from Drakes Estero, California to Guerrero Negro, Baja California). I examined both direct and indirect effects of these wide-ranging factors on snail populations.

 I believe having a better understanding of the relationships between biotic and abiotic variables and the abundance and distribution of ecologically or economically important species will allow us to potentially ameliorate the effects of human disturbances, such as climate change, fishing pressure, eutrophication, and human development on marine ecosystems.

Curriculum Vitae