Despite being based in Ohio at OSU, my Ph.D. work is based in marine systems. My research focuses on the evolution and diversity in Metridium, a genus of sea anemones known as the plumose (or fluffy) sea anemone. Specifically, I am working on:
- Species delimitations and systematics within Metridium
- How has historical gene flow impacted and built the current assemblages both the Atlantic and Pacific, particularly in regards to glaciations?
- How are the southern populations connected to the northern hemisphere populations?
- Salinity and temperature limits of Metridium senile
Background
Completing my B.S. in Florida (Palm Beach Atlantic University) was my first "official" foray into marine systems - conveniently, it was also a good place to start diving! This led to a position shortly after graduating at the New England Aquarium in Boston, where I stayed for a year before leaving to volunteer 6 months in Ireland at a seal & wildlife rehabilitation center. But since I had a desire for a more research-focused career, I completed my M.S. in Biology at Central Michigan to gain a genetics skillset (see C.V.), and am now applying many of these methods working in my desired study system for my Ph.D. research.
Interests and Directions
My research questions are focused on the evolution of sea anemones through the study of their genetics and geographic distributions. I enjoy looking at why evolutionary events have happened through a genetic, historical, and geographic context. Currently, I am building a skill set fitted with molecular methods to be applied to marine systems and invertebrates that can be used to address questions in population genetics, gene flow, and systematics. I am especially interested in how to successfully communicate about biodiversity with the public and policymakers, as communication between science & policy is always in need of improvement; I'm fortunate that OSU has a graduate minor in Public Policy & Management!
Completing my B.S. in Florida (Palm Beach Atlantic University) was my first "official" foray into marine systems - conveniently, it was also a good place to start diving! This led to a position shortly after graduating at the New England Aquarium in Boston, where I stayed for a year before leaving to volunteer 6 months in Ireland at a seal & wildlife rehabilitation center. But since I had a desire for a more research-focused career, I completed my M.S. in Biology at Central Michigan to gain a genetics skillset (see C.V.), and am now applying many of these methods working in my desired study system for my Ph.D. research.
Interests and Directions
My research questions are focused on the evolution of sea anemones through the study of their genetics and geographic distributions. I enjoy looking at why evolutionary events have happened through a genetic, historical, and geographic context. Currently, I am building a skill set fitted with molecular methods to be applied to marine systems and invertebrates that can be used to address questions in population genetics, gene flow, and systematics. I am especially interested in how to successfully communicate about biodiversity with the public and policymakers, as communication between science & policy is always in need of improvement; I'm fortunate that OSU has a graduate minor in Public Policy & Management!
Please contact me if you are interested in collaborating or just to get in touch :) I would love to hear about any sightings of Metridium as well! Have any sea anemone sightings throughout the world? Upload them to my iNaturalist project:
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