My research at Georgetown University has focused in two specific areas:

(1) The butterflies of Green Ridge State Forest

(2) The noctuoid moths of Dyke Marsh Preserve

In both studies, I was interested in how different habitat characteristics influenced the distributions of the Lepidoptera and how by using the results, park managers can better manage their resources efficiently.  By examining this, I was investigating some of the underlying reasons why certain areas are better habitats than others related to host plants and open area. 

I was also interested in how the generalist and specialist feeders are distributed among habitats with relation to their host plant distribution.  This has implications in the marsh and forest ecosystems at Dyke Marsh Preserve.  Previously, no list was available of the different noctuoid species in Dyke Marsh Preserve, pest or otherwise.  By learning more about the different species and their patterns of habitat use, I will be able to determine how pest species distribute and the level of use they place on a particular habitat.  This study employed the first use of floating Malaise traps on record, a unique way to sample the marsh.

Park management practices may change based on different factors' influences.  Dyke Marsh is used in a number of unique ways by not only the wildlife, but by humans as well.  Striking a balance between human use and the environment is an important concept and this study is meant to provide a piece of the puzzle. 

My teaching work at Georgetown has focused in three areas:

(1) Conservation Biology: A specific-to-broad survey of current and past history of conservation efforts in science.  This class was a study on human-environment relationships and how these relationships can be better managed.  It also focused on community and ecosystem conservation.

(2) History of Life: Focusing on geological time and how landscapes and life changed through time. 

(3) Introductory Biology - Ecology and Evolution: A broad study in many concepts in the biological sciences.  Focused in independent research, plants, animals, and student-driven changes that can benefit the environment.