|
I am a terrestrial ecologist, broadly interested in the interface between ecology and animal behavior, as well as the role of individual-level behavior in shaping group-, population-, or community-wide processes.
Currently, I am a Postdoctoral Associate with Walt Koenig at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and our work focuses on seed production of oaks as well as seed predation and dispersal by corvids and woodpeckers. I am also a Research Associate with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, where I collaborate with Scott Sillett and Brandt Ryder on a long-term research project on the ecology and behavior of island scrub-jays, endemic to Santa Cruz Island, and their role in the reproductive strategies and restoration of oaks on California's Channel Islands. In my research, I use field observations and experiments, as well as quantitative approaches such as remote sensing and agent-based modeling, to address questions about life history strategies of plants and animals. My interests extend from understanding and expanding natural history to testing theory and developing conservation strategies. While my work is mostly focused on birds and trees, I have also worked with primates and rodents, and hope to work with many more taxa in the future. Find my publications here. I enjoy communicating science to small and large audiences, ranging from school kids to scientific peers. Together with the UC Santa Barbara's Office of Education Partnerships and the Smithsonian Institution, I mentor students through the Smithsonian Scholars Program and spear-head an annual STEM outreach camp. Finally, I am a scientific consultant for an advertising campaign and nature shows. Find out about the newest developments on the News page.
|
