Most of what I do is data engineering and computer simulation modeling to support integrative marine and freshwater ecology and natural resource management. My PhD research aims to integrate marine physical-chemical models with upper trophic level models to investigate declines of Pacific salmon in British Columbia, Canada.
I have an interest in supervised machine learning and data visualization and have experience as teaching assistant in the UBC Master of Data Science Program. I am generally interested in gaining more experience as a course instructor.
Generally, my research interests are:
> Modeling: Ecological modeling using simulations based on first principles of ecological systems. Graphs and networks (rivers and marine ecosystems). Parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis. Trade-offs and cost-benefit analysis.
> Decision support: Spatial optimization. Conservation planning. Software development.
> Integrative ecology and synthesis: Hypothesis evaluation. Collaborative / participatory research. Involving and collaborating with local and Indigenous knowledge-holders.
> Data science & analysis: Data management and leveraging large and disparate datasets. Machine learning (especially regression trees & SVM). Geospatial analysis.
I have specialties in computer programming (python, VB.NET, R), geospatial analysis and geographic information systems, and experience with high performance computing environments (UNIX / Gentoo, distributed computing).
My research at the UBC Global Ocean Modeling Lab is supported by the National Science and Engineering Research Council, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the UBC Ocean Leaders Program, and the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project. 