Molecular Ecology
I am interested in uncovering the link between climate change and the mechanisms that drive invasion success to the functioning of ecosystems. My research integrates field studies and cutting-edge genomic tools to understand a variety of ecological and evolutionary questions in marine and terrestrial environments to better inform management and restoration.
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Ecological questions |
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Habitat distribution how does environmental change drive habitat distribution of invasive species ?
Suitable habitat how do invasive species alter suitable habitats for native species?
Species interactions how do biological invasions impact local species and vice versa?
Novel microbes what composition of novel microbes are associated with invasions?
Linked habitats how do anthropogenic stressors alter resilience across linked habitats?
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Currently, I work in Dr. Jose Eirin-Lopez's Environmental epigenetic lab (EELab). I have developed a project to understand how changes in local water quality (excess in nutrients) and species interactions, or the out competition of native seagrasses by an invasive seagrass, are impacting their epigenetic processes. My previous research investigated how it got to the Caribbean and I focus on the genetic diversity and gene expression across its native and invasive range, as well as competition. Additionally, I am a co-PI on a project that investigates the use of environmental DNA to monitor the biodiversity in South Miami Florida.
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