My Research
My current research examines biogeochemical transformations at the aquatic-terrestrial interface. I pair in situ sampling and instrumentation with frequentist and Bayesian modeling approaches to monitor spatial and temporal change in aquatic environments. As a biogeochemist, my role is to investigate what is happening on a molecular level and translate the potential impacts at the ecosystem scale.
ONGOING PROJECTS
Predicting NEarshore Greening
In response to increased algal growth along the shores of Lake Tahoe, I am modeling metabolism at stream outlets and incorporating nearshore nitrogen cycling measurements.
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Modeling Stream Productivity
In collaboration with researchers at the Universities of Wyoming and Montana, as well as the USGS, I am modeling stream productivity and how it responds to disturbance events.
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Responses to Extreme WEather
Following the Thomas Fire and the resulting Montecito debris flow, I am analyzing the composition and transport of pyrogenic material and terrestrial debris deposited on a local beach.
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Sediments as a Source of Nutrients |
Additional Projects |
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I use nearshore marine sediments collected in the Santa Barbara Channel to investigate their potential to contribute nutrients to the overlying water column.
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Check back for additional project information coming soon!
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PAST PROJECTS
TraCing Terrestrial ORganic Matter
I collaborated as part an NSF RAPID project to investigate the sources and transport of terrestrial organic matter along a mountains-to-ocean transect following periods of drought and winter storm events. Read more about our findings here.
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Consumer-Derived Nutrients
I participated in projects designed to measure the excretion rates of various consumers, including beach hoppers (pictured above), and the impacts of this nutrient subsidy on the surrounding marine and terrestrial communities. Read more about our findings here.
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Algal Nutritional content
I collaborated with Santa Barbara Coastal LTER researchers to examine decadal changes in giant kelp tissue nutritional content in relationship to changing seawater temperatures and oceanographic indices. Read more about our findings here.
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