I am an evolutionary biologist and PhD candidate who studies how fish populations are impacted by and evolve in response to human activities such as hatchery programs, fisheries management, environmental changes, climate change, and pollution. 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, population genetics, genomics, and zoology (particularly ichthyology).
I received my BSc with first class honours in marine biology from Dalhousie university (Nova Scotia, Canada) where I studied population genetics and genetic differentiation in Lobelia cardinalis, one of North Americas most widespread angiosperms. During my MSc I studied the genomic basis and phenotypic plasticity of migratory behavior in brown trout (Salmo trutta) at University College Cork (Cork, Ireland).
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 involves 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.
