My research interests focus on developing environmental DNA (eDNA) technology and methodologies  into a rigorous, decision-ready tool for biodiversity monitoring, restoration science, and environmental management.

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I am particularly interested in mechanistic and scalable approaches that link eDNA signals to real ecological processes—such as organism movement, habitat use, population dynamics, and connectivity across pond and river networks, coastal, and marine systems. My work integrates molecular ecology, innovative and comprehensive sampling designs, and quantitative modeling to improve how eDNA signals reflects species relative abundance, timing of biological events (e.g., migration and spawning), and spatial structure in complex aquatic and marine environments.

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A central theme of my research is the co-development of new sampling technologies, analytical frameworks, and data workflows with conservation practitioners and agencies, so that methods are operationally feasible, transparent, and defensible for management and policy applications. I am also deeply interested in combining eDNA methods with community level functional trait information, hydrology, and environmental covariates to better understand how restoration actions—such as dam removal and habitat rehabilitation actions—translate into changes in biological community structure and ecosystem function at a variety of scales (from a single site, to holistic watershed scale monitoring).

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More broadly, my research aims to build integrated, low-cost, and globally accessible biodiversity monitoring systems that support conservation decision-making, environmental compliance, and community-driven stewardship.