Assorted work and Projects
Hey there friend. I’d like to offer you a warm welcome to my “Miscellaneous work and project highlights” page. Here, you'll find a few examples of projects that showcase my journey across various fields and interests. These projects reflect my passion for exploring new frontiers, applying innovative methodologies, and collaborating with others to drive meaningful change. From field research in remote locations to cutting-edge data analysis and community-focused initiatives, each project highlights a unique aspect of my work and interests. I hope you find these projects as exciting and inspiring as I do. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like to discuss any of these projects further!
Elephant Island Penguin Census Expedition
As part of a Greenpeace-led expedition, I joined forces with researchers from Stony Brook and Northeastern Universities to conduct a comprehensive census of penguin populations on Elephant Island. Our goal was to document long-term changes in penguin abundance and distribution, updating data that hadn't been surveyed in nearly 50 years!!
Using advanced survey techniques like drone footage and manual ground counts, we meticulously counted breeding pairs of chinstrap, gentoo, macaroni, Adélie, and king penguins. This work revealed significant ecological shifts: a 56.7% decline in chinstrap penguins and a doubling of gentoo populations, alongside stable macaroni populations and expanding king penguin activity.
The data we collected are crucial for assessing the impacts of climate change on these populations and informing conservation strategies. Our findings supported Greenpeace’s campaign for a Global Ocean Treaty and were featured in major media outlets like BBC, The Guardian, The New York Times, and Time. This expedition not only provided invaluable data for long-term studies but also underscored the urgent need for marine protected areas.
NY DEC Offshore Seabird and Whale Surveys
Objective: Conduct seabird and humpback whale surveys for a comprehensive monitoring project funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), aimed at understanding seasonal shifts in seabird species and monitoring humpback whale health.
Seabird Surveys: From January to August 2023, I managed crews of marine science graduate students to conduct vessel-based transect surveys in the eastern New York Bight region. Our goal was to document seasonal variations in seabird population abundance and distribution. By coordinating survey logistics and ensuring scientific accuracy, we collected data to investigate species-specific distributions relative to oceanic and biological features. The findings helped us understand the impacts of human activities, such as fishing gear entanglement and sea level rise, on seabird populations, contributing to improved conservation efforts in the northwest Atlantic.
RPAS Whale Surveys: As a certified RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) pilot, I participated in long-term surveys to collect morphometric data on humpback whales along the south shore of Long Island and the New York Bight. Operating from the Southampton Marine Station, I conducted drone-based surveys to assess the body condition of humpback whales. This aerial footage provided critical measurements to monitor whale health and understand the relationship between whale body condition and prey availability. Initial surveys in May and June indicated low sightings of humpback whales and common bottlenose dolphins, and a notable absence of menhaden, a key food source for whales and seabirds.
