I am an Integrative Biologist that uses techniques from various scientific disciplines (marine, molecular, and evolutionary biology, 'omics and bioinformatics) to address a range of questions concerning marine invertebrates. I am particularly interested in investigating the processes underlying diversity in marine ecosystems and the potential for organisms to respond and adapt to their environment. Given most of the world oceans are vastly underexplored, I am particularly interested in applying these questions and techniques in the deep sea, one of the final great frontiers for exploration.
Adaptation & Species Resilience
I am broadly interested in the resilience of marine fauna and their ability to adapt to harsh or changing environmental conditions, including anthropogenic change. More specifically, I am interested in examining the processes underlying trait variations and to what degree this variation is due to genotypic differences, epigenetic factors and / or evolutionary history. Modern tools and techniques of the genomic era are providing an unprecedented means to address critical biological questions for non‐model taxa, including deep-sea fauna.
I am broadly interested in the resilience of marine fauna and their ability to adapt to harsh or changing environmental conditions, including anthropogenic change. More specifically, I am interested in examining the processes underlying trait variations and to what degree this variation is due to genotypic differences, epigenetic factors and / or evolutionary history. Modern tools and techniques of the genomic era are providing an unprecedented means to address critical biological questions for non‐model taxa, including deep-sea fauna.
Evolution of Bioluminescence & Vision
Bioluminescence (the production and emission of light) is a predominant trait in deep-sea organisms with assorted ecological functions including communication, counter-illumination and predator avoidance. Some of my current research utilizes phylogenetic and transcriptomic methods to investigate how bioluminescence and light detection evolved in deep-sea crustaceans. Luminescence has likewise evolved in various species of deep-sea corals, some of which house crustacean associates. My future research goals aim to elucidate the functional roles of coral bioluminescence and the cryptic relationships among deep-sea corals and their associates.
Bioluminescence (the production and emission of light) is a predominant trait in deep-sea organisms with assorted ecological functions including communication, counter-illumination and predator avoidance. Some of my current research utilizes phylogenetic and transcriptomic methods to investigate how bioluminescence and light detection evolved in deep-sea crustaceans. Luminescence has likewise evolved in various species of deep-sea corals, some of which house crustacean associates. My future research goals aim to elucidate the functional roles of coral bioluminescence and the cryptic relationships among deep-sea corals and their associates.
Sensory Systems Biology
Sessile invertebrates, including corals, synthesize compounds and metabolites that are used for chemical defenses, though many species also house invertebrate epibiota. Some chemical compounds may also play an important role in ecological associations. I am particularly interested in understanding how invertebrates locate and differentiate (i.e., tactile, chemoreception, visual cues or combination) among their hosts and the role of sensory system evolution in marine symbioses.
Sessile invertebrates, including corals, synthesize compounds and metabolites that are used for chemical defenses, though many species also house invertebrate epibiota. Some chemical compounds may also play an important role in ecological associations. I am particularly interested in understanding how invertebrates locate and differentiate (i.e., tactile, chemoreception, visual cues or combination) among their hosts and the role of sensory system evolution in marine symbioses.