Science, Exploration, Discovery

I am a marine scientist and ocean explorer studying life in the deepest parts of the world's oceans. I employ state-of-the-art imaging systems, taxonomic approaches, and next-generation molecular tools (often referred to collectively as ‘Omics) to answer long-standing questions about life in unexplored, under-sampled, or data-deficient areas. My current research focuses on characterizing the distribution, diversity, and community structure patterns of deep-water corals on seamounts, islands, and atolls. More about each of these projects can be seen in Research.

My research approaches have relied on blending traditional deep-sea survey and characterization methods with emergent technologies, like environmental DNA (eDNA) and machine learning, to understand the biology inhabiting these environments. This, and the application of other ‘Omics tools, useful for understanding taxonomic and evolutionary relationships among animals groups, have led to new deep-sea species discoveries and an understanding of how the marine environment influences patterns of ocean life.

Research Areas

Education

Ph.D., Biology, Temple University. 2020.

Dissertation: Deep-sea Coral Biogeography And Community Structure In Tropical Seamount Environments. Advisor: Dr. Erik Cordes

M.S., Marine Biology. University of Maine. 2014. Advisor: Dr. Rhian Waller

Thesis: Biogeographic Patterns Among Deep-Sea Benthic Megafaunal Communities Across the Drake Passage (Southern Ocean)

B.S., Marine Sciences, cum laude. University of Connecticut. 2011

About Me

My research focuses on understanding the biodiversity of life in deep ocean, the largest and last great frontier for exploration on Earth. Data generated by my research supports baseline characterization of deep-sea environments in unexplored regions, often in support of conservation and management of marine biological and seafloor resources.

These projects have taken me to the farthest corners of the Earth onboard ships and within submersibles to obtain a better understanding of life in the deep ocean. I have accumulated more than 500 days at sea in support of or leading exploration expeditions and constantly seek to deploy new technologies to measure ocean life. Of all the questions and hypotheses that humanity has posed about life in the marine environment, only one thing that is clear: there is so much left to discover about life in our oceans.

Current & Recent Appointments

Genomics Specialist, Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. 2024-Present.