Research Topics and Interests
Sensory Ecology
Sensory ecology explores how animals perceive and respond to their environment, providing critical insights into behavior and survival. My research focuses on how endangered sea turtles and diamondback terrapins use acoustic and visual cues, particularly during early life stages. By studying the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic changes, I aim to uncover the ways human activities disrupt instinctive behaviors, shedding light on the challenges these species face in increasingly altered coastal habitats.
Conservation Biology
Conservation biology focuses on protecting biodiversity and mitigating human impacts on ecosystems. My work integrates field-based research with collaborations across wildlife conservation organizations and academic institutions to develop actionable strategies for preserving endangered species. By bridging science and policy, I aim to address critical challenges facing vulnerable populations, fostering solutions that balance ecological health with sustainable development.​
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Husbandry
Husbandry encompasses the care and breeding of animals, often needed on a temporary basis to study and maintain wild populations. Housing wild species in zoos, aquariums, or laboratory settings should be undertaken only by experienced and trained professionals. I strongly advocate for using such settings to study animals within controlled environments as a means to better protect wildlife and address human-caused harm. However, this should always be conducted with minimal impact on the animals and for the shortest duration possible. Furthermore, I believe that fostering public interest in wildlife conservation requires opportunities for people to experience these animals firsthand in zoos or aquariums. Without public support, critical issues facing wildlife often go unnoticed and unaddressed. I particularly support facilities that care for animals unreleasable due to injuries, illness, or inability to survive independently in the wild. Through my research in ecology and conservation, I aim to refine husbandry practices by identifying optimal conditions for the species I study. This includes improving knowledge on nutrition, handling protocols, lighting, heating, and housing to ensure the highest standards of care.
***Note all images throughout the website where taken while conducting authorized research or in public aquariums. Please do not approach or interfere with wildlife. Permit numbers are available upon request.