I am an ecophysiologist currently studying how: (1) environmental temperature shapes the phenotypes of birds via phenotypic plasticity and selection on fixed traits, and (2) how certain phenotypes might feed forward to benefit the energy balance of birds in given climates. To acheive this, I apply a mixture of experimental, analytical, and theoretical techniques that commonly involve interdisciplinary collaborations. A key goal of this research is to understand exactly how changing climates might shift avian phenotypes at local scales, and whether such shifts signal adaptive responses or potential problems for given populations.

The majority of my work relies on Bayesian hierarchical modelling, often with fairly large data sets and non-linear components. Cluster computing can be useful for speeding these types of models, but the interactive nature of Bayesian workflow often makes reliance on clusters feel awkward and clunky. Outside of research, I am therefore keenly interested in improving analytical efficiency on local computers by applying a diversity of programatic languages (like Julia and C++) and approximations (like variational inference).

Last, conservation of natural lands is important to me. In my home province, and in much of the developed world, a high percentage of natural lands are in private hands. As a board member of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust in Canada, I work to help acquire and protect those lands in perpetuity.  

A full list of my publications can be found here.