My research interests center on understanding deep-sea ecosystems at the intersection of science and policy. During my master’s work in international marine science, I focused on environmental impact statements and governance of the deep ocean. Building on this foundation, I am now working to establish comprehensive ecological baselines for the Blake Plateau, a region of the deep sea within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone that holds ecological and environmental value.
The central questions driving my research are: What biological and ecological communities define the Blake Plateau? How do habitat structures, including polymetallic nodules, influence biodiversity from microbes to macrofauna? What role do temporal oceanographic variations play in shaping benthic and water-column dynamics? Answering these questions is essential to understanding natural variability and resilience in the deep sea.
To address these questions, I plan to integrate habitat characterization, biological sampling, and physical oceanographic measurements. Combining field data with modeling will allow me to examine ecological patterns across scales. This approach is intentionally broad and adaptable; if one avenue proves limited, other datasets can provide meaningful insight into ecosystem dynamics.
This research has important scientific and policy dimensions. Scientifically, it will expand baseline knowledge of a potentially environmentally and economically significant area thus advancing our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystem function. From a policy perspective, it directly supports data sharing, capacity building, and evidence-based decision-making, aligning with the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty. Ultimately, I aim to define myself as a researcher who not only advances fundamental science but also provides knowledge that informs responsible marine management and global ocean governance.