Degree:

M.S. Marine Biology, University of Maine
B.S. Marine Biology, Rutgers University

Research Interests:

I’m passionate about the conservation of aquatic organisms, focusing particularly on the challenges faced by anadromous species such as the green sturgeon. I am deeply concerned with how dams, bridges, and other barriers obstruct these species’ access to crucial spawning grounds, often leading to population declines. Over the years, although there have been efforts to mitigate these barriers by introducing fishways, many designs do not meet the specific needs of diverse species. This is especially true for the green sturgeon, a bottom-dwelling species that cannot leap, making traditional fishway designs ineffective for them. My study aims to develop sturgeon-specific fishway solutions by understanding the green sturgeon’s navigation strategies in water passages that incorporate varying flow dynamics, turbulence, structural configurations, and substrate textures. My ambition is to contribute valuable insights towards creating innovative and effective migration aids that are specifically tailored to the green sturgeon, thereby supporting their conservation and management.