I'm a marine ecologist, biodiversity scientist, and bio-statistician seeking to understand the natural world and build solutions leading to a more sustainable planet. I'm particularly interested in the central role that biodiversity plays in sustaining healthy ecosystems. I have worked in systems as wide-ranging as coral and oyster reefs to mangroves to rocky shores and sandy beaches to deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and even terrestrial forests and grasslands. I'm known for my particular expertise in seagrass ecosystems, where I have studied everything from their foundational ecology to their management and restoration. Many of my current projects involve understanding the role of coastal ecosystems as "blue carbon" sinks to mitigate climate change.I work closely with scientists, non-profit organizations, local, state, federal, and international management agencies, and citizens on every continent to gather data on nearshore habitats, analyze these data to gain significant new insight, and communicate this insight to practitioners to effectively manage and conserve our coasts and estuaries.