My dissertation research focuses on Brook Trout in the state of Connecticut. Through the use of genetics, I am working on addressing many questions relevant to brook trout conservation. The main objective is to evaluate genetic relatedness at the watershed scale and determine what influences connectivity among isolated headwater populations using a suite of landscape genetic modeling applications. Using this information, I will be working on developing decision support tools that can help resource managers prioritize restoration and conservation actions using connectivity-based methods.
Using the same genetic data set for my dissertation research, I have also evaluated the influence of culvert road crossings on Brook Trout genetic populations and compared them to predicted effects based on culvert assessment protocols. The manuscript based on that is currently in press at Ecological Indicators, and should be published soon. Additionally, I am working with another UConn graduate student on investigating the prevalence of hatchery hybridization and environmental correlated of introgression in wild populations. The information gained through this research will aid future management and conservation throughout the state and region. |
Temporal Stability of Lake Michigan's Lake Whitefish Genetic Stocks
As an undergraduate I worked on a research project in the UW-Stevens Point Co-op Fish Genetics Lab which was investigating the Lake Whitefish genetic stocks in Lake Michigan. My work used historical (1980's-1990's) scales collected during commercial harvests as a source of genetic data and was a continuation of previous research, which studied contemporary patterns. The goals of this research was to study changes in genetic stocks over time and determine the contributions of each stock to commercial harvests. More detailed information about this work can be found in the links on my publications page. |
Invasive Species Bait Trade Monitoring in the Great Lakes
During my master's research at Central Michigan University I studied the bait trade as a potential vector for invasive species in the Great Lakes region. I used environmental DNA (eDNA) as a monitoring tool, which uses free floating DNA in water to detect the presence of aquatic species. Additionally, I was investigating the potential use of signage as a method to educate the public about invasive species, and in particular the role bait plays in invasive species introductions. More detailed information about this work can be found in the links on my publications page. |