Research Projects
I have always been passionate about understanding how human activities influence water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
Below, you’ll find summaries of my current and past research projects focused on these critical environmental challenges.
01
Undergraduate Independent Research Project: The Role of Nutrient Limitation on the Occurrence and Composition of Harmful Algal Blooms
During my undergraduate studies, I conducted an independent research project with Dr. Hans Paerl through the Coastal and Environmental and Microbiological Processes Lab at UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences, focusing on nutrient limitation and its role in harmful algal bloom (HAB) formation. I designed and implemented a nutrient enrichment bioassay to examine how nutrient loading affects algal community composition, with an emphasis on identifying conditions that promote HAB development.
02
Capstone Project: Ecological Functions and Ecosystem Services of Overwash Ponds on North Core Banks, NC
As part of a group capstone course project, I collaborated with peers to take a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to studying overwash ponds on Core Banks, North Carolina. Our team investigated multiple ecosystem components, including geomorphology and hydrology, biogeochemistry and bacteria, primary productivity, benthic invertebrates, fish, and terrestrial animals. I was a member of the Primary Productivity group, where I focused on assessing macrophyte and microalgal abundance and diversity in and around the ponds to better understand patterns of productivity in these dynamic coastal habitats.
03
Haw River Assembly Monitoring Project
As a field data collection intern with the Haw River Assembly, I conducted regular stream surveys to assess water quality and stream health across the Haw River watershed. My work involved measuring physical and chemical parameters (temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and flow), identifying benthic macroinvertebrates to calculate water quality scores using the Pollution Tolerance Index, and testing for E. coli using IDEXX methods. I also contributed to spatial analysis by mapping sites in Google My Maps and Google Earth Pro, compiling historical data, and scouting new stream locations for future monitoring efforts.
04
Current Research
I am currently pursuing my PhD in the Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program (E3P) at UNC-Chapel Hill in Dr. Sophie McCoy’s lab. My dissertation research explores the ecological and socio-environmental impacts of Gracilaria vermiculophylla, an invasive macroalga that has transformed estuarine ecosystems along the North Carolina coast. I am investigating how this species influences habitat structure, trophic dynamics, nutrient cycling, and microbial community composition, using both molecular and ecological approaches to understand its spread and functional traits. I also hope to contribute to the development of future management strategies.
