I am an evolutionary biologist and PhD candidate who studies how fish populations change over time. My current work focuses broadly on the impact of human activities such as hatchery programs, fisheries management, environmental changes, climate change, and pollution on fish populations. I am most interested in how closely related species or populations within a species change over time. In order to understand this, I often take advantage of genomic tools. My expertise lies in evolutionary theory, marine biology, zoology (particularly ichthyology), population genetics, population biology, fisheries science, conservation genomics, and ecology.
I have a BSc in marine biology with first class honours from Dalhousie university (Nova Scotia, Canada) where I studied population genetics and genetic differentiation in Lobelia cardinalis, one of North Americas most widespread angiosperms. Additionally, I received first class honours during my MSc in marine biology at University College Cork (Cork, Ireland) where I studied the genomic basis and phenotypic plasticity of migratory behavior in brown trout (Salmo trutta).
I have always been particularly interested in collaboration with stakeholders, and the use of the field as a natural laboratory. This has led to me gaining a diverse set of practical skills throughout the various field courses and jobs I have had including shark tagging, fish husbandry, plant husbandry, survival at sea, power boat handling, environmental health assessments, stakeholder management, etc.
In addition to my research I am also a passionate educator having been an instructor and mentor in various capacities over the years. My teaching experience has included teaching practical laboratory sessions in evolution, population genetics, and zoology at the undergraduate level, mentoring of student assistants at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and supervision of masters students.
