Research
Marine Spatial Ecology
How does the environment shape animal movement and behavior? What spaces are important?
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My lab investigates the fine-scale spatial and behavioral responses of marine vertebrates to changing environments. Currently, we are exploring the habitat use of deep-sea Pacific Sleeper sharks in the Gulf of Alaska, and investigating the impacts of tagging on animal behavior.
Previous projects include predation-risk and the space use of juvenile Steller sea lions, seabird and marine mammal responses to tourism, and how habitat shapes mating systems.
Trophic Ecology
What are the foraging strategies of top marine predators, and how much adaptive capacity do they have to respond to changes? How do contaminants move through the food web?
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We investigate the foraging ecology of marine predators to understand evolutionary trade-offs, and inform ecosystem-based fishery management. Current projects include examining the physiological and behavioral constraints of diving pinnipeds in Alaska, male Steller sea lion foraging behavior and fishery interactions, and tracing contaminant exposure through marine food-webs.
Healthy Marine Resources
What does it mean to be resilient?
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My lab collaborates with management agencies, coastal communities, and human and wildlife health researchers to achieve a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. These interdisciplinary partnerships integrate genetics, biochemistry, virology, molecular biology and ecology to address pressing conservation questions.
Current research includes exploring wildlife health in a changing arctic, and building partnerships with coastal Alaskan communities to promote food security.
Want to learn more about our research projects?