ABOUT ME
Motivations:
I am motivated by a desire to live a full life, both professionally and personally.
Hobbies:
I enjoy gardening, cycling, running, hiking, camping, fishing and spending time with Willy, Maggie, Fitzgerald and Sullivan.
Professional -
February 2019 - Present:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. As a Research Scientist I focus on determining the ecology, impacts and best management practices of aquatic invasive species.
April 2018 - February 2019:
Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA). As Program Manager, I oversaw LIISMAs activities including management actions and planning as well as the outreach and education programs
July, 2013 to July 2018:
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. As a Biologist Supervisor I performed wildlife research and assessed the impacts of oil spills on wildlife species and associated habitats.
Short and Long Term Anthropogenic Impacts
I work across the gradient of heavily impacted to near pristine sites to understand how human activities impact ecosystem function.
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Population Ecology
I study populations of amphibians, birds, reptiles and vegetation.
Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Ecology
Drexel University, 2013
My research focused on determining the potential for competition between non-native red-eared slider turtles and state threatened, native red-bellied turtles. I performed field and laboratory experiments to complete my dissertation. I taught undergraduate laboratories/recitation in biology and environmental science courses. I mentored undergraduate researchers in performing independent research projects.
Community Ecology
I study the community interactions between organisms in aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Spatial Distribution
I work to determine the distribution of aquatic and terrestrial species within individual habitats and across broad landscapes.
B.S. in Environmental Studies, Minor in Mathematics
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, 2003
As an undergraduate I performed well in my course work, was active in Stockton Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) and rowed on the crew team.