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I use mathematical modelling to study the dynamics of ecosystems to predict mechanistic relationships among ecosystem processes and then use that knowledge to inform management policies. I aim to work with local stakeholders to develop and parameterize mathematical models to answer pertinent questions about local ecosystems that may inform management policy and design.
I am currently a postdoc with the Shea and Ferrari labs at Pennsylvania State University and with the MCEM lab at Oxford University modelling Foot and Mouth disease dynamics (in collaboration with ILRI and the Tildesley and Jewell labs) and coral reef dynamics to inform management strategies. My PhD focused on modelling coral reef larval dispersal networks to determine how larval dispersal among reefs might change the stability of the coral-dominated state (link) and to delineate present-day larval dispersal networks and assess the capacity of natural re-seeding to re-seed present-day reef networks (link). My final chapter was in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Fiji and modelled a Fijian reef network and assessed the efficacy of various different management strategies. I have also worked on projects modelling SARS CoV-2 dynamics in Canada, assessing human impacts on worldwide genetic diversity, determining pigeons capacity to learn efficient routes in travelling salesman (or salespigeon) problems and writing guidelines for graduate students working with mathematical models for the first time.
I am the lead author of the paper that was the Canadian National Champion in the Inaugural Frontiers Planet Prize competition in 2023.
Learn more about my work from coverage in Hakai Magazine and Conservation Corridors.
I am currently a postdoc with the Shea and Ferrari labs at Pennsylvania State University and with the MCEM lab at Oxford University modelling Foot and Mouth disease dynamics (in collaboration with ILRI and the Tildesley and Jewell labs) and coral reef dynamics to inform management strategies. My PhD focused on modelling coral reef larval dispersal networks to determine how larval dispersal among reefs might change the stability of the coral-dominated state (link) and to delineate present-day larval dispersal networks and assess the capacity of natural re-seeding to re-seed present-day reef networks (link). My final chapter was in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Fiji and modelled a Fijian reef network and assessed the efficacy of various different management strategies. I have also worked on projects modelling SARS CoV-2 dynamics in Canada, assessing human impacts on worldwide genetic diversity, determining pigeons capacity to learn efficient routes in travelling salesman (or salespigeon) problems and writing guidelines for graduate students working with mathematical models for the first time.
I am the lead author of the paper that was the Canadian National Champion in the Inaugural Frontiers Planet Prize competition in 2023.
Learn more about my work from coverage in Hakai Magazine and Conservation Corridors.
We do this through working closely with decision-makers, managers and stakeholders working at various levels.
My lab uses quantitative methods (mathematical modelling, machine learning) to study the dynamics of marine and coastal ecosystems to predict mechanistic relationships among ecosystem processes.
This modelling seeks to answer general questions about ecosystem dynamics and also to inform management policy and design and then uses that knowledge to inform management policies. Through working with local stakeholders to develop and parameterize models to answer pertinent questions about local ecosystems that may inform management policy and design.
Mathematical Modelling
Machine Learning
Network Modelling
Computational Simulation
Fieldwork...
Coral reefs are connected by dispersal of fish larvae, coral larvae, macroalgal gametes and the dispersal of other active swimming organisms such as turtles and sharks. These dispersal connections connect coral reefs at small and large scales, depending on the taxa of interest. These dispersal connections influence the dynamics of these reefs through time and may span 1000s of miles.
- Developing novel machine learning methodology for improving the communication and integration of existing mathematical models into conservation management workflows
There is a long history of using mathematical modelling to guide the management of specific species, but ecosystems are more complex
There is a long history of using mathematical modelling to guide the management of specific species, but ecosystems are more complex. As a result, it is less common for ecosystem management to be guided by mechanistic mathematical models.
I do not require students to have a background in mathematics (nor will all projects involve mathematics) but an enthusiasm for math and how it can help aid management initiatives, is crucial.
I encourage students to try and think of projects that they would find exciting, as the best projects are those that stem from genuine passion. Those projects can stem from the themes listed above or from related topics.
Machine Learning
Network Modelling
Computational Simulation
Fieldwork...
Coral reefs are connected by dispersal of fish larvae, coral larvae, macroalgal gametes and the dispersal of other active swimming organisms such as turtles and sharks. These dispersal connections connect coral reefs at small and large scales, depending on the taxa of interest. These dispersal connections influence the dynamics of these reefs through time and may span 1000s of miles.
- Developing novel machine learning methodology for improving the communication and integration of existing mathematical models into conservation management workflows
There is a long history of using mathematical modelling to guide the management of specific species, but ecosystems are more complex
There is a long history of using mathematical modelling to guide the management of specific species, but ecosystems are more complex. As a result, it is less common for ecosystem management to be guided by mechanistic mathematical models.
I do not require students to have a background in mathematics (nor will all projects involve mathematics) but an enthusiasm for math and how it can help aid management initiatives, is crucial.
I encourage students to try and think of projects that they would find exciting, as the best projects are those that stem from genuine passion. Those projects can stem from the themes listed above or from related topics.
