Graduate Research: While a Masters student at OIMB, I studied the invasion and ecology of the Australasian burrowing isopod (Sphaeroma quoianum) in Coos Bay, Oregon. Specifically, I examined questions regarding the estuarine distribution, density, and substratum preference of S. quoianum. Through the NSF EASPI program I also conducted a comparative study of the ecology of S. quoianum in two native embayments (Port Phillip Bay, Victoria and Tamar Estuary, Tasmania) and Coos Bay .
Thesis: "The invasion of the Australasian
burrowing isopod, Sphaeroma quoianum, in Coos Bay, Oregon"
Advisor: Dr. Alan Shanks
Current Occupation: PhD student, Aquatic Bioinvasions Research and Policy Institute at Portland State University.
Current Research: I am continuing to investigate the invasion and ecology of Sphaeroma quoianum for my dissertation at the Aquatic Bioinvasions Research and Policy Institute at PSU. I am currently evaluating the relationship between erosion rate and the presence of isopod burrows in Coos Bay and conducting regional surveys for introduced species. Future work will investigate the dispersal rate/distance, burrowing rates, and possible control options for Sphaeroma quoianum.
About
GK12: The GK-12 program provided a challenging and rewarding experience for both the students and myself. As a 4rth grade fellow, I presented lessons designed to pique interests in science and encourage individual thinking. I found coming into the classroom and motivating, encouraging, and challenging children to be very personally rewarding.
