About Me 

I am a marine ecologist and paleontologist who leverages empirical data and mathematical modeling to investigate how ecological interactions at different temporal and spatial scales affect organismal and community responses to climate change in modern and ancient ecosystems. My research focus is to elucidate how species and communities will respond to climate change using a diverse scientific toolkit. I employ both modern experiments and fossil data to elucidate of how past ecosystems responded to climate change and catastrophe, which in turn allows for better predictions of how modern communities will respond to the compounding effects of the current climate crisis. 

My goal as a scientist is to contribute to foundational ecological science that can be utilized in the context of conservation and environmental stewardship and my research program addresses a number of outstanding ecological questions. How do species relationships with resident microbiota and other organisms affect host ecology and responses to perturbation (e.g., ocean acidification)? How does community structure, the patterns of interactions within a community, affect how the system will respond to stress, such as warming? How do modern environments differ from their counterparts in the fossil record from a functional diversity perspective, and how we leverage this information to promote healthy, resilient ecosystems in the modern? 

I am passionate about science communication and leveraging science to inform decision making. I am committed to science education, and increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. I have served as a mentor and tutor for a range of programs geared towards increasing the participation and retention of women in STEM fields, particularly those who belong to groups that have historically been excluded.