Current Research
COVID-19 & Subsistence Fishing
I was selected as a National Geographic Explorer and funded by Nat Geo to investigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on local subsistence fishing habits. This project will aim to inform local disaster resilience planning, economic development, and responsible fisheries management by understanding how ocean ecosystems can act as a “natural insurance” in times of socioeconomic shocks and climate catastrophe.
Bahamian Parrotfish Fishery
This research looks into the emerging parrotfish fishery in The Bahamas and examines fishers’ choices and behaviors related to the fishery.
Post-Dorian Mangrove Assessments
This research focuses on understanding which areas stakeholders in Abaco and Grand Bahama prioritize for restoration and monitoring activities, their motivations for choosing certain areas, and their behavioral intentions for contributing to these efforts. Findings will be coupled with ecological assessments of the areas to determine high priority areas for rehabilitation.
Designing Communications for SCTLD
This pilot study focused on how values, beliefs, and norms in divers and boaters impact their intentions to contribute to actions against Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Data from this research will be used to inform the creation of related communication materials for Bahamian stakeholders.
Leveraging Social Media for Behavior Change
This research focuses on investigating how conservation identity, behavioral determinants, and perceived behavioral control, coupled with identifying the motivating factors that emerge from social media engagements, contribute to communities committing to conservation actions.