My research integrates field ecology, geospatial analysis, and systems-based inquiry to examine how environmental processes interact with human systems across coastal landscapes. Rather than isolated projects, my work is organized around three interconnected themes that emphasize applied science, spatial thinking, and student engagement.
Coastal & Marine Ecology
Overview
This research focuses on dynamic coastal and marine systems, including humpback whale behavior, nearshore ecosystem processes, and coastal change. I am particularly interested in how physical drivers—such as sea level rise, shoreline morphology, and oceanographic variability—interact with biological systems across temporal and spatial scales.
Methods
Field-based data collection, drone imagery, behavioral observation, remote sensing, and spatial analysis are central to this work. Projects often integrate in situ ecological data with GIS-based mapping and environmental datasets to examine system-level patterns.
Student Roles
Undergraduate students participate in field data collection, image analysis, spatial processing, and research synthesis. Many projects are designed to provide hands-on research experience that bridges classroom learning and applied investigation.
GIS & Spatial Science
Overview
This theme centers on applied geospatial analysis to understand environmental systems across land and sea. Research integrates spatial modeling, remote sensing, and environmental data to examine patterns of change, risk, and resource distribution.
Methods
ArcGIS Pro, drone-derived imagery, raster and vector analysis, spatial statistics, and data integration across ecological and socio-environmental datasets.
Student Roles
Students develop reproducible GIS workflows, build spatial models, conduct suitability analyses, and contribute to research-quality mapping outputs. Emphasis is placed on methodological rigor and systems thinking.
Environmental Equity & Access
Overview
This research examines how access, exposure, and environmental risk are distributed across communities. By integrating spatial analysis with demographic and environmental datasets, this work seeks to inform equitable environmental decision-making.
Methods
Spatial overlay analysis, demographic integration, visitation data analysis, accessibility modeling, and systems-based mapping of environmental services and burdens.
Student Roles
Students engage in applied equity-focused spatial research, including data processing, mapping, analysis, and interpretation. Projects emphasize translating spatial findings into actionable insight.
