Research
Phenotypic Plasticity :
Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of an individual to alter its phenotype in response to the environment. Much of my work focuses inducible offenses, which are features of organisms that are phenotypically plastic and enhance competitive ability or the ability to find, capture or consume prey. I have shown that snails in the genus Lacuna change tooth shape in response to cues from their diet and the environment. We also work on inducible defenses, which protect prey from consumers. My interests span all levels, from the functional morphology of traits, the ecological consequences of traits, and the evolutionary patterns of these traits among closely related species. Currently we are: (1) Developing and testing models of the costs and benefits of inducible, reversible morphologies, and the consequences of linked responses, including behavior, (2) Measuring factors considered important in these models including: lag time to induction, frequency of habitat variability, differential costs and benefits in terms of growth, and life-time fecundity associated with the function of different morphologies in different environments, (3) Determining the functional consequences of phenotypically plastic feeding apparatus morphology in gastropods across life stages, and (4) Assessing evolutionary patterns of form and variability in a phylogenetic context within the gastropod family Littorinidae as well as among other families of gastropods.
Functional Ecology :
In general, functional ecology considers organismal traits (e.g, morphology, physiology, behavior) as mechanistic drivers of evolutionary and ecological patterns and processes. We study the functional morphology of feeding apparatus of gastropods, mechanical properties of phenotypic features, and most recently, the role of thermal ecology in affecting the direct and indirect impact of non-native oysters that are invading the shores of the San Juan Archipleago in Washington State .
Invasion Ecology :
I work on a wide range of aquatic invaders, both freshwater and marine, including the zebra mussel, Asiatic clam, Eurasian watermilfoil, marine aquaculture escapees, as well as organisms introduced through aquarium and ornamental trade and related activities. We use a variety of species and approaches to develop general tools and understanding of biological invasion, its ecological controls and consequences, as well as applying this information to control introduction, spread and minimize ecological impacts of invasive species. Our work has included links between hydrodynamics and the spread and control of these aquatic invaders, the potential for metapopulation dynamics to be exploited for control (zebra mussels and the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas), system-specific differences in impacts and characteristics of invaders (zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpa, quagga mussels, Dreissena bugensis, the golden mussel, Limnoperna fortuni, Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea) impacts of invaders in marine reserves and protected areas (C. gigas and other invaders).
I have continuing collaborations with international scientists, especially those from the Former Soviet Union. Considerable research was conducted on important invaders, including the zebra mussel, for over a hundred years that has not been generally available to western scientists who do not read Russian or have access to Soviet scientific journals. My goal has been to increase international communication and collaboration, make this vast literature available to western scientists, and exchange information, ideas and develop joint research ventures with Former Soviet scientists.
We also study the spread of invaders in marine reserves and sanctuaries, and how reserve design may facilitate or minimize the spread of likely invaders. The spread of the non-native oyster Crassostrea gigas to marine reserves in the San Juan Islands may be undermining the utility of these sites as conservation tools. We have found that these invaders are more abundant inside than out of reserves and are assessing the impacts of this ongoing invasion.
Organismal Systems Modeling Network - OSyM Research Coordination Network
https://organismal-systems.org
Funded by NSF
Animals are complex systems of interconnected elements (modules) operating at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Discovering systems-level attributes that make animals resilient or robust, or conversely sensitive or fragile, to change presents a grand challenge for biology. Knowledge of these attributes and the underlying mechanisms controlling them is necessary for predicting how animals will respond to short- and long-term changes in internal and external environments. Traditional approaches in biology are inadequate for the task. Significant advances can be made by incorporating tools from the disciplines of applied mathematics, engineering, and modeling. To successfully incorporate these tools into organismal biology, mechanisms are needed for cross-training and facilitating collaborations at all professional levels across these scientific fields.
The Organismal Systems-type Modeling Network (OSyM) research coordination network provides a forum where organismal biologists and modeling experts collaborate to deepen understanding and improve our ability to predict the impact of change on organismal structure and function. OSyM provides the training needed to pursue new ways to explore cutting-edge questions in this emerging and vital area of research on how animals maintain stability while accommodating change.
Urban Shorelines
https://urbanshoreline.godaddysites.com
[email protected]
Funded by NSF
Urban Shorelines: As climate changes, existing urban bulkheads must be replaced. Our project, Urban Shorelines, uses new design, engineering, and biological approaches to improve the blue economy in three ways: Expanding engagement of people with the shoreline; Increasing biodiversity and sustainability of marine life; and Dissipating wave forces and flooding. We use a transdiciplanary approach. Our team includes terrestrial and marine ecologists, architects, engineers and social scientists.
Stepd-Up - Scientists & Teachers Engaging in PD with University Personnel
https://www.stepdup.com/
Funded by the New York State Department of Education
This project is a partnership between the Brentwood School District and Stony Brook University that encourages educators to implement standards-aligned Computer Science and Digital Fluency coupled with NGSS Standards. Stony Brook professors and the STEPD-UP program directors model innovative lessons and provide professional development on the New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Frameworks.