Statement of Interest
Broadly I am interested in field based research that expands the scientific understanding and appreciation for rare and endangered whale populations, and increases the impact of science to inform and affect marine conservation and management. I am motivated to challenge ecological theories regarding predator-prey behaviour and trophic stability; modes and scales of disturbance; and metapopulation dynamics, with data on marine mammals. I rely on an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating techniques and methods from spatial ecology, biology and oceanography to answer related questions regarding patterns, process, and scale in the marine environment. I am also interested in the theoretical, technical and analytical challenges of managing and integrating large multivariate data sets and spatial modelling for marine ecosystems.
Improving my science communication skills is a responsibility I take seriously and I have published my studies in peer-reviewed journals, presented at academic conferences, wrote briefings and summary reports of scientific research for decision makers as a senior policy advisor, taught field studies for university and public education classes for naturalists. I am also working on increasing awareness around issues in science through participating in conversations on social media.
My doctoral studies examine the distribution, connectivity and persistence of northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) populations along the slope of the Canadian continental shelf in the northwest Atlantic. I have completed three field seasons of data collection working aboard Balaena and conducted multi-year acoustic transects for beaked whales along 5000 km of the Canadian shelf edge, from the US border to Labrador. I discovered a previously unknown population of northern bottlenose whales in a region North East of Newfoundland, which presents significant questions for managing the two known populations designated by Canada’s Species at Risk Act. To address this knowledge gap, I am looking for evidence of linkages and structure in northern bottlenose populations using multiple streams of evidence from habitat models, photo-identification studies, stable isotopes, genetics, fatty acids and trace elements. The intent of my research is to improve the scientific understanding of beaked whale population structure and support the conservation and management of northern bottlenose whales in Canada.
Improving my science communication skills is a responsibility I take seriously and I have published my studies in peer-reviewed journals, presented at academic conferences, wrote briefings and summary reports of scientific research for decision makers as a senior policy advisor, taught field studies for university and public education classes for naturalists. I am also working on increasing awareness around issues in science through participating in conversations on social media.
My doctoral studies examine the distribution, connectivity and persistence of northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) populations along the slope of the Canadian continental shelf in the northwest Atlantic. I have completed three field seasons of data collection working aboard Balaena and conducted multi-year acoustic transects for beaked whales along 5000 km of the Canadian shelf edge, from the US border to Labrador. I discovered a previously unknown population of northern bottlenose whales in a region North East of Newfoundland, which presents significant questions for managing the two known populations designated by Canada’s Species at Risk Act. To address this knowledge gap, I am looking for evidence of linkages and structure in northern bottlenose populations using multiple streams of evidence from habitat models, photo-identification studies, stable isotopes, genetics, fatty acids and trace elements. The intent of my research is to improve the scientific understanding of beaked whale population structure and support the conservation and management of northern bottlenose whales in Canada.
