I am an Assistant Professor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz and lead the Nearshore Ecology Research Group (NERG). My research explores mechanisms of resilience in coastal ecosystems, with a focus on kelp forests and the species interactions that shape their persistence and recovery. By integrating field experiments, long-term monitoring, and data synthesis, my research aims to understand when and why ecosystems transform, and how we can develop conservation strategies that support both biodiversity and human communities.

I am a subtidal benthic ecologist interested in how primary productivity and life history traits shape community dynamics and paths to resilience in kelp forest ecosystems. My research is driven by a deep respect for the ocean and an urgency to solve the anthropogenic challenges that threaten the valuable systems within it. My most recent work focuses on the bull kelp forests of Northern California and I am excited to dive into the mixed kelp forest of Monterey Bay as a first year Ph.D. student!

My research interests center broadly around assessing mechanisms of kelp forest resilience across macro- and microscopic levels of biological organization. Before graduate school, I completed my undergraduate degree at UC Santa Barbara, where I was first introduced to subtidal nearshore ecology as a scientific diver for the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research program. I continued developing this passion through ecosystem recovery research at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and North Coast bull kelp restoration at Moss Landing Marine Labs. Apart from research, I enjoy beach days, traveling, reading, and surfing!

I am a passionate marine ecologist with an interest in the conservation of subtidal ecosystems, understanding the interactions of species that uphold the ecosystem's structure, and how the interaction of anthropogenic influences and oceanographic patterns impact subtidal ecosystems. My goal is to continue conducting research in kelp forest communities that contributes to our understanding of this complex and dynamic system. Specific research areas of interest address how urchin barrens develop, the transition of kelp forests stable states, the recovery of Macrocystis pyrifera, the recovery of Pycnopodia helianthoides in the wake of the Sea Star Wasting Disease, and the top-down controls that influence interspecies dynamics in the kelp forest ecosystem. I am an advocate for sustainable business practices, a passionate educator of marine ecology, and a small research vessel operater and sailor, committed to inspiring stewardship and connection to our oceans.