My research interests involve general aspects of elasmobranch biology, especially evolutionary ecology, reproductive biology, ecotoxicology and conservation. I am currently conducting research for my PhD with Dr. Nick Dulvy and Dr. Kara Yopak at Simon Fraser University.
Reproductive Evolution of Elasmobranchs
My current research involves the correlation between maternal investment and brain development in elasmobranchs. Sharks, skates and rays have the highest diversity of reproductive modes of any taxa, with matrotrophy ranging from egg-laying to placental live-bearing. The evolution of higher levels of maternal investment from the ancestral form of egg laying has been plastic, with various forms of maternal investment emerging independently and in select cases regressing. Through all reproductive modes developing embryos are nourished via lipid rich yolk sacs, histotroph or a direct placental connection. High levels of lipid rich nutrition have been correlated with brain size variation in other vertebrate taxa. While increases in maternal investment can increase offspring survival and development these come at a cost to the mother through resource allocation and potential future mating success. I will test the hypothesis that differences in brain development underlie the diversity of reproductive strategies in elasmobranchs.
Ecotoxicological Vulnerability in Sharks and Rays: Maternal Investment and Maternal Offloading
In addition to evolutionary ecology I am also interested in ecotoxicological vulnerability in elasmobranchs with regards to the potential for maternal offloading during reproduction. With high levels of maternal investment there is potential that sharks can passively offload contaminants to developing offspring during reproduction. While this phenomenon has been recognized in other marine predators with high levels of maternal investment (marine mammals), there has been little investigation in elasmobranchs. With elasmobranch populations in decline worldwide there is a pressing need to understand the potential physiological implications, and the impacts these may have on the recovery potential of whole populations.