ABOUT ME
I am a marine conservation ecologist committed to conducting policy-driven research to improve the social and ecological health of coastal communities. Currently, I am the Manager of Ocean Plastics Research at Ocean Conservancy, where I study the ecological consequences and social costs of plastic pollution and the benefits of plastic pollution mitigation.
​
I completed my Ph.D. in Biology at Arizona State University in the Biology and Society Program, advised by Dr. Leah Gerber and Dr. Beth Polidoro. My dissertation research focused on the impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems. Specifically, I conducted research and developed tools to inform more effective, cost-efficient, and equitable intervention strategies for marine plastic pollution.​
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Plastic pollution
Impacts of plastics on marine ecosystems and implementing effective mitigation strategies
Land-based pollution
Impacts of nutrients, pesticides, turbidity, and other pollutants on coastal ecosystems and communities
Sustainable materials management
Upstream interventions for reducing the impacts of material and waste production
Conservation of coastal ecosystems
Policy and management solutions for conserving coral reefs and other sensitive coastal ecosystems
EDUCATION
2018 - 2023
Arizona State University, Tempe Campus
Ph.D. Biology and Society
2013 - 2015
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
M.Sc. Geology
2010- 2013
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
B.S. Integrative Biology