Experience
Professional Experience
Postdoctoral Scholar Current
Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR, USA
Working with Dr. Cheryl Barnes and Dr. Jon Reum (NOAA) on ACLIM and GOACLIM projects. Responsibilities include ecosystem modeling and climate science integration to understand how changing oceans shape North Pacific ecosystems and fisheries.
Research Assistant May 2025 – Current
Victoria University of Wellington | Wellington, NZ
Adapting and extending ecosystem models on a Marsden-funded project investigating temperate mesophotic sponge reefs. Focus on incorporating detrital dynamics to improve understanding of trophic pathways and support conservation planning.
Data Analyst Aug 2024 – Jul 2025
Department of Conservation | Wellington, NZ
Supported marine reserve monitoring efforts. Analyzed baited underwater video (BUV) footage, managed data entry, prepared reports, and conducted preliminary statistical analyses.
PhD Researcher & Teaching Assistant Dec 2018 – Sep 2024
Victoria University of Wellington | Wellington, NZ
Led PhD project on coral reef ecosystem modelling. Concurrently taught 17 trimesters in statistics, biology, and ecology courses. Responsibilities included project management, data analysis, scientific writing, course development, student mentoring, and lab/fieldwork supervision.
North Pacific Fisheries Observer Apr 2015 – Oct 2018
NOAA Fisheries / Alaskan Observers, Inc. | Seattle, WA, USA
Completed 12 deployments totalling 405 sea days aboard commercial fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Designed sampling protocols, collected catch and biological data, monitored regulatory compliance, and liaised among regulators, fishing crews, captains, and Coast Guard.
Education
Ph.D. in Marine Biology July 2024 Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
Modelling Coral Reef Futures: Exploring the role of structural complexity in sustaining ecosystem services | DOI
Technical Skills
Expert Intermediate Basic
R Data Analysis Statistical Analysis Data Visualization Ecosystem Modeling Technical Writing Project Management
LaTeX MATLAB Microsoft Office R Package Development Policy Analysis Science Communication
Python Quality Control Stakeholder Engagement
PADI Rescue Diver First Aid & Oxygen Admin
Teaching & Mentoring
University Instructor 2019
Victoria University of Wellington | Wellington, NZ
Taught across 17 trimesters in statistics, biology, and ecology courses. Responsibilities included developing and delivering course materials, mentoring students across diverse backgrounds, supervising laboratory and field activities, and marking assessments. Developed expertise in making quantitative concepts accessible to diverse student cohorts.
Leadership & Advocacy
Founding Member 2021 – 2024
Te Pitau Mātauranga (TPM) Postgraduate Student Advocacy Group | Victoria University of Wellington
Led initiatives assessing and improving postgraduate student wellbeing across a diverse cohort. Designed and analysed surveys to identify systemic issues and collaborated with university leadership to implement targeted improvements. Coordinated onboarding, peer support, and inclusive community-building events.
For a complete list of publications and conference presentations, see the Publications page.