I am an ocean biogeochemist with an interest in how humans impact coastal ecosystems. My doctoral research aims to understand nitrogen cycling within corals and coral reefs as well as how anthropogenic influences affect nitrogen cycling in these systems by using stable isotopes (δ15N). One project I have aims to use nitrogen isotopes to detect differences between the corals with and without symbiotic zooxanthellae of the facultatively symbiotic coral Oculina arbuscula. Another project will determine how anthropogenic influences impact modern nitrogen cycling in the Gulf of Mexico using coral skeleton-bound δ15N and water nutrient samples from the Gulf of Mexico.

In my free time I enjoy SCUBA diving, kayaking, house plants, and hiking with my dog. Prior to attending Boston College for my PhD, I received two B.S. degrees in Marine Biology and Geological Oceanography with a minor in Underwater Archaeology from the University of Rhode Island where I conducted research on nitrous oxide emissions from different oyster species and received a M.Sc. in Soil and Water Sciences from the University of Florida where I studied the effect of oyster aquaculture and oyster reefs on sediment nitrogen cycling.

Why did you choose Boston College for your postgraduate work?

I chose Boston College for my PhD because of the amazing research happening in this department and the connection I felt with the people here (professors, grad students, and staff). Boston is a great city that is neither too small or too big, with lots of things to do in your free time.