Scientific ResearchMy dissertation research focused on the Pteroinae, or lionfishes, a unique venomous fish subfamily. I examined the evolution of the most lethal toxin proteins present in their venomous spines, scorpaenitoxins, as well as asked some fundamental questions about the evolution and phylogeography of these fishes. You can read my dissertation here. As a postdoctoral scholar, I focused on another venomous marine group: the Cnidaria, particularly box jellies (family Cubozoa). Jellies are armed with some of the deadliest venoms on the planet, and yet, much remains unknown about these gelatinous invertebrates. My postdoctoral studies, directed by Dr. Angel Yanagihara, sought to improve our understanding of how these venoms harm and kill as well as the best practices for treating cnidarian stings. My C.V. is available here, and more about my outreach efforts can be found here. 
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01/2015 - 09/2017: Interdisciplinary Research on Cnidarians
Postdoctoral Researcher for Dr. Angel Yanagihara, University of Hawaii 01/2011 - 12/2014: Molecular Investigations of the Pteroinae Dissertation Research, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii 10/2009 - 12/2010: Population genetics and phylogeography of Pacific reef fishes. Graduate Assistant for Dr. Brian Bowen, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology 02/2010 - 06/2010: Biochemistry of jellyfish venoms Graduate Assistant for Dr. Angel Yanagihara, University of Hawaii 08/2009 - 10/2009 Conservation of native Hawaiian avifauna Graduate Assistant for Dr. Rebecca Cann, University of Hawaii 10/2007 - 7/2009: Affects of A2B receptor stimulation on survival kinases in heart cells Research Assistant for Dr. Stuart Critz, LECOM 05/2007 - 10/2007: Benthic faunal surveying of Hillsborough County Temporary Scientist, Hillsborough County EPC 08/2006 - 11/2007: Affect of fiddler crab burrowing activity on mangrove growth Undergraduate Research Project, Eckerd College 09/2005 - 12/2005: Marine mammal pathology Intern, FMRI Marine Mammal Pathology Lab 06/2004 - 08/2004: Sea turtle nest monitoring in Sarasota County Sea Turtle Program Intern, Mote Marine Laboratory |
