Research

PhD, University of California at Berkeley
MAS, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
BA, Emory University

The goal of my research is to better understand how the particularities of resource exploitation, access, and governance in marine and coastal systems shape long term resource sustainability and the wellbeing of resource-reliant communities.

Conflict, cooperation, and competition at sea: A social-ecological analysis of industrial-small scale interactions in coastal Ghana.

My research examines the interface of small-scale and industrial fishers at sea as a critical conjuncture in understanding the evolving landscape and future of ocean governance and exploitation. Dozens of countries across the globe report rising fisheries conflicts, particularly between small-scale fishing boats and more capitalized industrial vessels. My research examines the social and ecological drivers of these interactions, the impacts they have on fishing households and resource sustainability, and the implications for resource governance. My research also considers how national and regional governance mechanisms facilitate or inhibit successful management of marine fisheries and prevent and deter illegal fishing.

Interactive Dynamics of Wildlife Populations, Human Health and Household Wealth in Rural Africa.

This research represents an interdisciplinary collaboration between the fields of ecology, sociology, political science, and public health to understand the coupled dynamics of wildlife harvest, livelihoods, and human health. My research analyzes the relative impact that social and ecological factors—as well as local, national, and international laws and policies—have in determining fish access in Ghana. This research further explores how fishery access and fish availability shape livelihoods and impact the ecological and environmental context of the fishery.

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