interests

I am broadly interested in simplifying complex system dynamics to predict how ecosystems respond to change. I use coral reefs as model systems to understand complex nonlinear dynamics in ecology, with interests in predictable phenomena that are revealed by information entropy, mechanisms of non-equilibria regulation, and chaos. Here is a recent proposal that talks about my research in more detail.

My deepening interest in interspecies communication has led me to begin writing a novel that follows a character's thread of interest from trying to understand her rescued horse, to ultimately communicating with sperm whales using her own invention. Many related topics will be covered along the way, including compassionate methods of training animals, somatic experiencing modalities, indigenous animal tracking, a scientific treatment of sensory ecology, and more!

I am also interested in establishing a worldwide network of long-term data monitoring sites in the oceans, applying new automation technologies to data collection and analysis, and engaging all curious individuals with the scientific process.

My silly ocean outreach blog: https://www.facebook.com/DamnOceanYouCrazy/

projects

coral reef complexity

  • Coral reefs as chaos: an assumption-free, system-state approach to causality, dynamics and predictions
  • Information theoretic measures of ecological memory in coral reef recovery dynamics
  • Estimating distance from equilibria and maximum entropy in biological and ecological systems with natural fractals
  • Coral reef dynamics as complex ecological networks: linking structure to resilience for conservation

the collective scientist

Web development project to nurture participation by all in scientific inquiry, elevate science to mass cultural relevance and promote curiosity, wonder and exploration of our universe. 

historical coral calcification

Millenial-scale record of Goniopora spp. growth rates reveals a long-term decline and recent recovery trajectory