Florida International University
My Ph.D. research spans multiple dimensions of coral reef ecology, combining cutting-edge technology and ecological theory to address questions in marine science. My work integrates photogrammetry and advanced tools like TagLab to create detailed spatial maps of reef habitats, enabling precise measurements of coral and algae cover, structural complexity, and benthic community dynamics. Leveraging functional ecology, I am to investigate how coral traits vary across spatial and temporal gradients, using approaches like hypervolume analysis to explore community functional trait spaces and their implications for ecosystem resilience.
In addition to trait-based studies, I am applying population modeling, including Leslie matrices and Integral population models, to project the demographic trajectories of corals in response to disturbances like sea urchin die-offs and algae outbreaks. My research connects these demographic changes to larger ecological shifts, examining drivers like recruitment, growth rates, and environmental factors. Employing tools like Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) and multivariate methods (e.g., PERMANOVAs), I hope to uncover patterns and processes that inform reef management and conservation strategies.
At the intersection of fieldwork and analytics, my work contributes to understanding how benthic communities respond to climate change, disturbances, and anthropogenic impacts, with the ultimate goal of supporting reef resilience and recovery in the face of global challenges.