Bio

I have a background in physical oceanography and my research interests focus on how water in the ocean moves, how that can be influenced by climate change, and the implications that has on biology (e.g., plankton and whales). I also enjoy using novel technologies such as autonomous underwater gliders (think underwater robots!) for collecting ocean observations.

I am passionate about conservation efforts in northern environments. Currently, I am collaborating with the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada on a project involving an underwater glider in the Canadian Arctic to explore ocean and ship noise influences on bowhead and beluga whale distributions. Understanding the mechanisms influencing whale distributions is especially critical for whale populations and their conservation, especially under the continuously changing conditions due to interannual variability, climate change, development of shipping routes, and oil and gas activity.

I completed a Ph.D. in Oceanography at the University of British Columbia, a Master’s in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at McGill University, and a Bachelor’s in Oceanography and Geophysics also at the University of British Columbia.

When I’m not working, I enjoy puttering around in my canoe in the summer and on my cross-country skis in the winter.