My scientific background is in spatial ecology and conservation. Utilising data collected from a variety of sources (e.g., citizen science, camera traps, remotely-piloted aircraft systems, passive acoustic monitoring devices) I have developed statistical models (e.g., species distribution, individual-based, occupancy, n-mixture, regression models) to address a range of research questions pertinent to conservation and wildlife management. I have conducted both applied and methodological research, which has included predicting the spread of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Wales, UK, assessing spatiotemporal patterns o
f resource use in fallow deer (Dama dama) and enumerating a population of endangered hog deer (Axis porcinus) in Cambodia.
Currently, I am working in the Merrill Lab as part of a large collaborative team of scientists, provincial biologists and software developers to support chronic wasting disease management in Alberta. We have developed an integrated population model (IPM) that combines demographic, harvest and disease-surveillance data to estimate mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) population and disease dynamics across the province. Building on this work, I am now helping to develop a simulation tool that uses outputs from the IPM to forecast how alternative management strategies may affect CWD prevalence, disease spread and mule deer populations. In particular, my work focuses on evaluating the effectiveness and potential consequences of different harvest and vaccination strategies, with the aim of providing evidence to guide adaptive CWD management in Alberta.
