Research Interests
I am an ecophysiologist with broad interests in physiological performance (e.g. exercise), energy metabolism, and behavioural ecology. The questions I find most interesting are how marine animals, specifically fish, persist in challenging environments. Using integrative approaches from whole-animal to biochemical techniques, my research aims to use physiology to understand the linkages between environmental variability, organismal performance, and ecological patterns.
Current Projects
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My PhD thesis work focuses on whether limitations on physiological performance explain winter dormancy in fishes. Frigid winter temperatures are a key bottleneck on the persistence of fish populations at high latitudes. Thus, winter dormancy (an inactive, fasting, low metabolic rate state) has evolved among some temperate fishes to endure winter and potentially extend their poleward range. Few studies investigate winter dormancy and rarely focus on what causes these fish go dormant. The overarching hypothesis of my current research is that the physiological performance (swim performance, muscle function, growth and digestive processes) of dormant fishes is optimized for warmer temperatures, thus winter dormancy is utilized in the cold. This project will provide insight into the causes and consequences of winter dormancy in fishes, a key strategy for seasonal persistence at northern latitudes.
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Current study species, cunner (T. adspersus), in closed respirometer
Paper coming soon! |
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In collaboration with Dr. Jim Kieffer, I investigated the effects of temperature on post-exercise recovery in brook trout (S. fontinalis), specifically if certain metabolic processes are more important in driving temperature-dependent recovery. For example, is it more advantageous to recover oxygen debt faster at cooler temperatures or remove lactate quickly at warmer temperatures? This project examined the influence of temperature on recovery processes and behavioural thermoregulation following exhaustive exercise in juvenile brook trout. Using biochemical techniques, whole-organism respirometry, and thermal preference, we found that a cooler recovery regime facilitated excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) recovery, hindered lactate clearance, and did not affect behavioural thermoregulation. We are currently preparing this manuscript for publication.
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Juvenile brook trout (S. fontinalis) in behavioural choice system
Paper coming soon! |
Past Projects
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My previous research in the Esbaugh Lab at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute investigated the effects of oil exposure on larval and juvenile red drum (S. ocellatus), a key fish species in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil exposure results in compromised cardiorespiratory function and swim performance in fishes, particularly in early life stages that are more susceptible to toxicity. This presumably alters ecological performance by impairing the ability to capture prey or evade predators, however, this was yet to be empirically tested. My projects therefore sought to answer those questions by investigating predator-prey behavior, olfaction cues and preference, and swim performance. This project was a part of the Recover Consortium funded by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) and was recently published in Marine and Freshwater Research.
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Red drum (S. ocellatus) larvae 72 hpf after oil exposure
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During an undergraduate field course in Akumal, Mexico, my research group studied the effects of snorkel-based tourism on the escape behavior of reef fishes. Fear of predation affects prey behavior by altering movement patterns, lowering feeding, and reducing reproduction. The North shore of Akumal Bay had seen a dramatic increase in tourism over the past decade while the South shore remained unoccupied. The stark difference in human presence across an otherwise homogeneous environment created a perfect study site to elucidate tourism impacts on the escape behavior of prey fish species, as well as habitat complexity and utilization.
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Threespot damselfish (S. planifrons) on reef in Akumal, Mexico
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