CURRENT RESEARCH

I am currently working on my PhD in the School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington under the supervision of Dr. Ray Hilborn. My research is focused on issues related to the stock assessment of orange roughy in New Zealand, where I spend a few months of the year helping with specific assessments. My work will hopefully be applied to worldwide orange roughy stocks and possibly other fish stocks around the world. I am also interested in Bayesian methods, computer intensive analyses, and just about anything quantitative.

 BACKGROUND

Growing up fishing in Canada and California, and working at the fish market on the pier in Avila Beach, I realized I wanted to spend my life studying fish. I met Dr. Dave Hankin while attending Humboldt State University and became very interested in quantitative fisheries. After completing my B.S. in Fisheries with an Applied Math Minor, I started a Master's Program in Statistics at the University of Idaho with Dr. Ken Newman. I studied state space models and did my thesis work on the simulation of a constant fractional marking program for chinook salmon in the Central Valley of California. Just before finishing my thesis, I saw a job opportunity for a Fisheries Modeller in New Zealand and was hired. Fifteen months working for the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in Wellington, New Zealand exposed me to stock assessments, fishery surveys, acoustics, and the biology of New Zealand fish. I have since moved to Seattle and am pursuing my PhD at the University of Washington. Focusing on orange roughy fisheries in New Zealand as my dissertation topic, I often travel to New Zealand to perform stock assessments, attend meetings, and help with surveys.

 OTHER INTERESTS

Besides modelling fish (mathematically, that is) I love to catch fish. Flyfishing is my preferred method, but I am not a purist and have been known to occasionally cast a monofilament line. When the fishing isn't good, I like to mountain bike, hike, camp (tramp, as they say in NZ), canoe/kayak, and surf. Of course, fishing is sometimes combined with these activities!

I also like to build and network fast computers. My modelling work (mathematical, that is) can takes hours, if not days to complete, so I am always looking for a faster solution. I have built some computers and setup wireless home networks with the help of my friend Ben Allen. My next big project is to get my dad online!

My family is very important to me and I love to spend time with my niece, Alyssa and my nephew, Luke. My sisters and brother-in-laws are also fun! I am always keen to do some fishing with my dad, and my aunt always teaches me about gardening.

Check out my Photos Page for pictures of my family and activities.