About

My PhD research (current) investigates maternal contributions in young sharks relating to multiple paternity, maternal transfer of toxins (i.e., PFAS), maternal energetic investments and physiological stress responses upon capture.

My MSc research (2021-2024) investigated the uptake of heat-evolved symbionts (i.e., assisted evolution strategies) in scleractinian coral larvae and juveniles and how this effected coral fitness during early-stage growth.

Awards and Honours

Research Training Program Scholarship
University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia, Sunshine Coast) - UniSC, 2026-2029
American Australian Association Scholarship
American Australian Association (United States, New York) - AAA, 2023
Research Training Program Scholarship
Southern Cross University (Australia, Lismore) - SCU, 2021-2023

Organisational Affiliations

Research student, School of Science, Technology and Engineering

Education

Environmental Science & Management (Marine Ecology)
02-Aug-2021–01-Aug-2024, Master of Research - MSc(R), Southern Cross University (Australia, Lismore) - SCU

Thesis title: Heat-evolved symbionts can increase the resilience of coral larvae and juveniles

Communications and Marine Biology
05-Aug-2002–02-Jun-2004, Bachelor of Arts (BA, AB, BS, BSc, SB, ScB), Jacksonville University (United States, Jacksonville) - JU

Double degree in science communications (journalism) and marine biology with an emphasis on ichthyology

Communications and Marine Biology
02-Aug-1999–03-Jun-2002, AS - Associate of Science, Indian River State College (United States, Ft. Pierce) - IRSC

Double degree in communications (journalism) and marine biology