With the continued decline of coral reef ecosystems, restoration practitioners are expanding their focus beyond coral reintroduction to incorporate other essential reef components, such as grazers, to improve site conditions and promote the long-term survival of outplanted corals. My thesis focused on advancing coral-urchin tandem restoration by examining how habitat complexity at various stages of Acropora cervicornis restoration influenced urchin retention and herbivory.
As a Research Associate, I continue to investigate the critical role herbivores play in coral reef restoration and work on developing methods to enhance urchin retention within restoration plots, ultimately contributing to stronger ecosystem resilience.
Before pursuing my M.S., I gained hands-on experience in various roles, including serving as an environmental educator at a Florida State Park and as a recreational fisheries biologist with both the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. I hold dual B.S. degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Science & Policy from California State University, Long Beach (2019).
