My research program focuses on management issues of fisheries resources, marine and wetland ecosystem restoration and health, and how human alterations and impacts of fish populations and habitats affect various aspects of environmental health. My research includes sites in North, Central, and South America.
Biographical Profile
College
University of SC Aiken
Department
AK Biology & Geology
Tenure Status
Tenured
International Activity
International Activities
Yes
Type of Activity
Research, Service
Countries
Ecuador, Costa Rica, Caribbean
Description
Research in the Fish/Fisheries Conservation Lab examines ecosystem, community, and species responses to anthropogenic impacts in aquatic systems along the watershed gradient including freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments. We also investigate issues relating to human dimensions of fisheries management including benefits and risks associated with fish and other seafood consumption.
Institutional Focus Areas
Environmental Sciences, Science and Engineering (Other)
Extended Residence in Foreign Country
No
Speaks Non-English Language
Yes
(Spanish)
Interest Background
Do you include students in your research?
Undergraduates and Graduates
Interest Keywords
fisheries and fish ecology, estuarine/marine health, wetland health, mangrove health, oyster reef ecology, reef fish ecology
Institutional Focus Areas
Environmental Sciences, Science and Engineering (Other)
Personal Focus Areas
marine ecology, fisheries, aquatic biology
Professional Preparation(Education & Training)
Dates
Institution
Location
Degree
Field of Study
2001 - 2006
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
PhD
Wildlife and Fisheries
1998 - 2000
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
MS
Biological Sciences
1993 - 1997
Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
BA
Spanish and Biology
Memberships & Professional Activities
Dates
Type
Description
Institution/Entity
2007
Professional Activity
Reviewer, At least 10 peer-reviewed journals
Positions & Appointments
Dates
Description
Institution/Entity
09/1995 - 09/1996
Research Assistant, Family Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine
05/2000 - 08/2000
Research Assistant, Gulf Coast Research Lab, USM
01/2002 - 06/2004
Research Associate, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, TAMU
06/2003 - 07/2006
Research Fellow, NERR/NOAA
08/2006 - 05/2007
Research Biologist III (Post-doctoral experience), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
06/2007 - 12/2011
Research Assistant Professor
Baruch Institute for Marine & Coastal Sciences University of South Carolina and SCDHEC Office of Ocean & Coastal Resource Management, Columbia, SC
08/2007
Adjunct Professor, Master of Environmental Studies Program, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
09/2007
Associate Faculty, Marine Science Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
04/2008
Associate Faculty, Graduate Program in Marine Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
01/2012
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology and Geology, USCA
Recognition Awards, Honors, & Fellowships
Dates
Type
Description
Foundation/Entity
2003
Award
NERR Graduate Research Fellowship, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
2004
Award
Graduate Research Scholar, Coastal Conservation Association of Texas
2005
Award
Tom Slick Fellowship, College of Agriculture and Sciences, TAMU
2017
Award
Breakthrough Star Award
Office of the Vice President for Research, University of South Carolina
Award
J. Frances Allen Award, American Fisheries Society
Award
Outstanding Doctoral Student in Research, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, TAMU
Award
Distinguished Doctoral Research Award, Texas A&M University
Award
Susan Arseven Award, Graduate Women in Science and Engineering
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