I recently began a post-doctoral fellowship in optical physiology with Dr. Brad Seibel at the University of Rhode Island. Our goal is to understand changes in cephalopod body pattern in response to fluctuations in the intensity, spectrum, and polarization of ambient light. This research is funded by an ONR Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative grant.

In collaboration with Dr. Bruce Robison and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) Midwater Ecology lab, my dissertation research focused on the defensive behaviors of deep-sea squid. This research was funded in part by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and through the support of the David and Lucille Packard Foundation to MBARI.

Recently published

Behaving in the dark: locomotor, chromatic, postural and bioluimescent behaviors of the deep-sea squid Octopoteuthis deletron Young 1972.

Videos of Octopoteuthis deletron behavior

Recent Talks

April 19

Lost limbs and flashing lights: defensive behaviors of deep-sea squids

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island

February 6

Behavioral Ecology of Deep-sea Squids

NOAA Ocean Explorer Teacher Enrichment Workshop

Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19

Tropical Islands: How Did Paradise Become...Paradise?

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Short Course

November 12

Squids will be squids

Richard Gump Research Station, Mo'orea, IB c158

See the presentation as a movie

June 20

Deep-sea squid covert activities...

TONMOCON III

See the presentation as a movie

February 12

Deep Sea Squid: What Are They Inking?

Hartnell College Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Colloquium

See the presentation as a movie

February 6, 13, 20, 27

Natural History and Human Interactions of Monterey Bay

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Short Course

Feb 6 lecture

Feb 13 lecture

Feb 27 lecture

January 24

How to Surivive as a Squid in the Deep Sea

NOAA Ocean Explorer Teacher Enrichment Workshop

See the presentation as a movie

January 31

Hunting and Hiding with the Lights Out: Predator Prey Interactions in the Deep Sea

Pacific Grove Natural History Museum

See the presentation as a movie