Can marine foundation species be adapted to local environmental gradients and how would this impact species response to ocean warming? I've investigated how mosaics of environmental stressors can cause local adaptation in the marine foundation species, eelgrass, within a single estuary and promote the evolution of warming resilient populations. |
Can the impact of warming stress be passed down across multiple generations? My prior research also reveals that when eelgrass is exposed to marine heatwave conditions a plastic response in key traits is maintained across multiple clonal generations, potentially increasing individual resilience to future warming. |
Can eelgrass mitigate the impact of ocean acidification on oyster growth? How might oyster aquaculture and ocean warming interact to impact eelgrass meadow health? Currently, I'm collaborating on a project aimed at understanding how eelgrass-oyster interactions may change as our oceans warm and become more acidic. |
How does diversity at both the genotypic-level and community-level promote ecosystem resilience? I'm currently surveying eelgrass genetic diversity and community diversity at sites along the Maine coast. My prior research demonstrates the genetic diversity within eelgrass meadows enhances eelgrass growth in response to a warming environment. |