Our research examines the development, cardiopulmonary system, energetics, thermal tolerance and ecology of lower vertebrates (fish and reptiles) and their adaptations to environmental factors, particularly ambient oxygen level and temperature. We are particularly interested in crocodilians, amphibious fishes, turtles, saltwater fishes, and commercial freshwater fish in locations that include California, Indonesia, Canada, North Dakota, Texas and Florida. Comparative physiology requires the researcher to study the whole organism at multiple levels, from the subcellular level to organ systems to ecology.
Our lab has two major research focuses.
Climate Change, Thermal Biology, Physiology and Ecology of Fish
In the context of global climate change, we are interested in the thermal biology and ecology of embryonic, juvenile and adult fish. We use whole animal measurements of temperature tolerance and metabolism, and we link these responses to the ecology and cellular physiology of study species. We are working with Dr. Casey Mueller, a fellow CSUSM Biological Sciences faculty, Russell Barabe, an Environmental Scientist with California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Sandra Jacobson, the Steelhead Coalition Coordinator at CalTrout on trout research.
Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology of the Vertebrate Heart
We study how the heart changes during the early life history of crocodilians, fish and turtles, using hatchling alligators and various turtle and fish species as models. We are also interested in the development and neural and humoral regulation of reptilian and fish cardiovascular systems.
Our lab has two major research focuses.
Climate Change, Thermal Biology, Physiology and Ecology of Fish
In the context of global climate change, we are interested in the thermal biology and ecology of embryonic, juvenile and adult fish. We use whole animal measurements of temperature tolerance and metabolism, and we link these responses to the ecology and cellular physiology of study species. We are working with Dr. Casey Mueller, a fellow CSUSM Biological Sciences faculty, Russell Barabe, an Environmental Scientist with California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Sandra Jacobson, the Steelhead Coalition Coordinator at CalTrout on trout research.
Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology of the Vertebrate Heart
We study how the heart changes during the early life history of crocodilians, fish and turtles, using hatchling alligators and various turtle and fish species as models. We are also interested in the development and neural and humoral regulation of reptilian and fish cardiovascular systems.