Marine Science

Degrees

• M.S., Geology, Boston College
• B.S., Marine Science, University of South Carolina

Research Interests

Primarily, our research group has been monitoring the breeding of the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, in Tampa Bay since 2014. We conduct monthly surveys at multiple beaches, near the mouth and middle of the bay. As part of our commitment to putting nature and the best interests of the species first, we also collect trash during each beach survey. Surveys are organized and conducted by my lab assistant and our student volunteers.

We are also committed to developing creative and novel approaches to independent scientific research. In the unique setting of the Galbraith Marine Science Laboratory, we are free to pursue questions that would not be addressed by traditional, peer-reviewed research. Student scientists in our group are innovating new experiments and developing original research projects that do not exist in the literature yet, such as intelligence testing and ethogram development for invertebrates, previously undescribed population dynamics in Tampa Bay and along the west coast of Florida, and dietary composition, including macro and micro plastics, for wild horseshoe crabs.

Courses Taught

• Geological Oceanography with lab
• Earth History