Interaction of Grazers and Toxic Algae. Toxic algal blooms are proliferating worldwide, but we understand little of the consequences of such proliferation. We are currently interested in the evolution of grazer adaptation to phytoplankton neurotoxins produced by the dinoflagellate Alexandrium.  We have experimentally demonstrated that populations of grazers that experience frequent blooms of toxic Alexandrium have a fitness advantage over those that do not frequently experience such blooms. We have developed methods to identify phenotypes of adaptation to toxic algae and measured fitness costs and advantages of toxin adaptation. We are also actively working on the molecular mechanisms of grazer adaptation to the toxins produced by Alexandrium. New areas of research in the lab are: 1) Novel mechanisms of toxicity (reactive oxygen species) in Alexandrium.  2) Costs and advantages of toxin production in Alexandrium. 3) Grazer-induced toxicity in Alexandrium.

Thermal & Low pH Zooplankton Adaptation. A formidable challenge to ocean scientists is to understand and predict the response of the biota to global change. We employ an experimental evolution approach to measuring zooplankton adaptation and its costs under future climate change conditions (warming, acidification, and combined warming and acidification). We also collaborate with genomic scientists to understand the molecular basis of adaptation.

Oceanography and Management of Long Island Sound. Long Island Sound is one of the most urbanized estuaries in the world and faces multidimensional environmental management issues. I helped found the Long Island Sound Integrated Coastal Observing System (LISICOS) and keep an interest in water quality management for the Sound. In collaboration with G. McManus and the CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection, we currently have a zooplankton monitoring program in place. Our interests is to understand how eutrophication and climate change affect zooplankton populations and communities.