My primary research interests are split between three diverse topics 1) advancing scientific tools for ecosystem based management and marine spatial planning, 2) multi-species approaches to understanding marine population connectivity with 'seascape' genetic techniques, and 3) both studying and improving consumer access to local and sustainable seafood. I am currently a P.I. on three projects: Ecosystem Thresholds and Indicators for Marine Spatial Planning (Moore Foundation, 2012-16), Multispecies Connectivity of Hawaii Coral Reefs (National Marine Sanctuaries, 2012-13), and Direct Marketing Approaches for West Coast Fishing Communities (Sea Grant, 2012-14). I have conducted underwater fieldwork in nearshore reef environments of Morocco, Sardinia, and the Solomon Islands as part of a continuing research project to understand how community structure changes along gradients of human impact. In addition, I am a founder and advisor of two local outreach programs, the Santa Barbara Sustainable Seafood Program and a community supported fishery program serving Santa Barbara County called Community Seafood. My current affiliations are UCSB's Marine Science Institute, NCEAS (her primary location), and Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology.