Physiological Impacts of Climate Change on Native and Invasive Marine Species
This project investigates how native and introduced intertidal snails respond to gradual warming and extreme heat events. By measuring survival, grazing, growth, and attachment strength across temperature regimes, I assess whether invasive species are more physiologically resilient to climate change than their native counterparts. These findings are the focus of my recent manuscript, Hot & Bothered.
Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) of Invasive and Range Expanding Marine Species of Southern New England
I’m applying the IUCN’s EICAT framework to assess the ecological impacts
of invasive and climate-driven range-expanding marine species in Southern
New England. This work helps prioritize management efforts by identifying
which species pose the greatest threat to native biodiversity and ecosystem
function.
of invasive and climate-driven range-expanding marine species in Southern
New England. This work helps prioritize management efforts by identifying
which species pose the greatest threat to native biodiversity and ecosystem
function.
Facilitation and Invasional Meltdown
This project explores how introduced species interact in ways that enhance one another’s success, a process known as facilitation, which can contribute to invasional meltdown. I use a combination of experimental work, field observations of species occurrence, and an in-progress synthesis paper to examine how these interactions shape community dynamics and accelerate ecological change. Findings from some of the work can be found in my recent publication in Biological Invasions, Snail Snacks: introduced seaweeds facilitate performance of an introduced marine snail.
Species Watch: Invasives and Natives in Transition
Through long-term monitoring of native and invasive species in the intertidal zone, I’m tracking shifts in community composition, species distributions, and population trends. This work informs conservation strategies and supports early detection of newly arriving species. Example of species I'm monitoring are Aiptasiogeton erupenata (red spot anemone) and Ruditapes philippinarum (Manila clam).
Coastal & Marine Climate Impacts and Adaptation Survey
As part of a regional climate adaptation initiative, I designed and implemented a stakeholder survey to
identify key climate-related impacts, knowledge gaps, and research priorities in coastal and marine systems.
The results will help guide future research, policy, and funding efforts across the Northeast.
identify key climate-related impacts, knowledge gaps, and research priorities in coastal and marine systems.
The results will help guide future research, policy, and funding efforts across the Northeast.
