I have tremendous intrigue with invertebrate (Poriferan, Cnidarian, & Molluscan) symbiology & marine ecology. Exploring how these host lifeforms functionally, behaviorally, biochemically, and genetically interact with their symbionts are remarkably refreshing & informative. Additionally, how & why these interactions change with the environment is perplexing albeit insightful towards human activity. The marine system is flourishing with life, which means both cellular & organismal beings must avoid, tolerate, or inhibit specific relationships. How and why these relationships change has repercussions on ecosystem services of the ocean. Natural and anthropogenic perturbations are particularly intriguing to me, too, such as alterations to connectivity, global change, pollution, and management/restoration. The central research questions I will explore in my life are how human activity affects symbioses of particular value to society. For example, coral-holobiont is a crucial component of reef ecosystems. Empirically, scleractinia coral cover is decreasing. Therefore, how do the resulting benthic community changes alter ecosystem services & symbioses humans desire and aesthetically appreciate? Other interests in science include cell biology, functional biology, microscopy, molecular ecology, biotechnology, cell culture, genomics, phycology, phylogenetics, meteorology, nephology, entomology, mycology, horticulture, limnology, biochemistry, conservation, restoration, sustainability, & sociology. Beyond science, I revel in travel, art, photography, gardening, running, swimming, boxing, skateboarding, scuba/snorkel, chess, tinkering, & drumming!