From cells to seas,
decoding resilience.
Inquiry. Hypothesize. Application.
Inquiry
Art of listening to identify key questions or problems facing industry, fostering a community-based approach to project development and transparent exploration as the foundation of our research.
Hypothesize
Art of questioning is the critical analytical step where observed problems become testable, formalizing assumptions and sharpening focus for systematic investigation.
Application
Art of sharing word highlights the ultimate goal of developing practical, real-world solutions or tools based on research findings, addressing industry needs and closing the loop between discovery and impact.
Together, these three words encapsulate a pedagogy that starts with deep listening, advances through scientific reasoning, and culminates in meaningful, industry-relevant outcomes.
Where Fundamental Biology Meets Field Application
Our lab works at the intersection of discovery and application. We connect mechanistic scienceāunderstanding how changes happen at the molecular levelāto measurable gains for sustainable aquaculture solutions. This loop between fundamental biology and field practice defines our mission.
Focus Pillars:
š§¬ Cellular Biology
š Aquaculture Practice
š Environmental Resilience
The Adaptive Trait Discovery Cycle
Our scientific approach is to uncover the biological traits that drive resilience, growth, and survival under shifting ocean conditions. We integrate cytology, physiology, and multi-omics to track changes from the cell to the whole organism, identifying what we call candidate traits for improved performance.
These fundamental insights feed directly into applied aquaculture solutions. We test strategies like early-life programming, genetic adaptation, and physiological conditioning in hatchery and field trials. This cycle ensures our mechanistic science is continually translated into actionable management strategies for coastal resilience.
Our Scientific Approach
Our work connects molecular detail to ecosystem-scale understanding. We integrate cytology, physiology, and multi-omics to study how shellfish respond to environmental stressors like acidification, warming, and oxygen loss. By tracking changes from the cell to the whole organism, we uncover the biological traitsāwhat we call candidate traitsāthat drive resilience, growth, and survival under shifting ocean conditions.
These insights feed directly into applied aquaculture solutions. We test early-life programming, genetic adaptation, and physiological conditioning to identify strategies that improve hatchery performance and long-term productivity. This loop between fundamental biology and field application defines our labās mission: turning mechanistic science into measurable gains for sustainable aquaculture and coastal resilience.
Aquaculture amidst
global change
We study how shellfish respond and adapt to environmental stressāfrom cells to whole organismsāto help aquaculture stay resilient and productive.
š§¬ Cellular Biology | š Aquaculture Practice | š Environmental Resilience
Connecting Mechanisms to Management
We integrate mechanistic biologyācytology, physiology, and multi-omicsāwith applied aquaculture questions to identify candidate traits that improve tolerance and performance.
Our findings cycle back into hatchery practice to build more resilient aquaculture systems.
Now recruiting:
Graduate students and research assistants.
See Join the Lab for details.
Discover Your Research Path
Curious about how cellular biology connects to real-world aquaculture? Our lab offers opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to contribute to active, cross-disciplinary projects.
ā Join the Lab
Be Part of a Team That Cares
Science moves fastest when itās shared. We value curiosity, teamwork, and inclusion ā and invite you to grow with us.
ā Join the Lab
Collaborate Across Scales
From data analysis to hatchery trials, we welcome collaborators who share an interest in understanding how life adapts under stress.
ā Work With Us
Build Skills That Shape the Future
Gain hands-on experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and applied fieldwork while contributing to sustainable aquaculture solutions.
ā Apply or Learn More
š Outreach & Real-World Connection
Research Rooted in Coastal Communities
We collaborate directly with shellfish farmers and resource managers to translate discovery into resilience strategies that benefit local economies.
From Hatchery to Habitat
Every experiment aims to connect lab-based insight with ecosystem-scale understandingābridging controlled studies with real-world aquaculture conditions.