I am an interdisciplinary researcher focusing on individual-based modeling, policy development, and social science, centered on basking sharks in Ireland.

• PhD Dissertation
• Master’s Thesis (Read the resulting publication here)

Individual-Based Model Of Basking Sharks As A Case Study Of Model Communication For Policy (PhD Dissertation)

I completed my PhD in September 2023.

I developed an individual-based model (IBM) of basking shark behavior in the North Atlantic (see a video of the model here). I used this model as a case-study on model use in policy. I am currently developing useful guidelines for modelers, to improve model communication and increase IBM use in policy development.

My full dissertation is available here. You can also view a one-page summary of my results below:

Support for basking shark tourism in Donegal, Ireland (Master’s Thesis)

In 2018, I conducted social science research on public perceptions of basking sharks and shark tourism in Buncrana, Donegal. At the time this research was conducted, basking sharks were unprotected in Ireland and rarely featured in tourism advertisements. The survey results showed an untapped tourism market for basking shark viewing and high rates of support for legal protections for these endangered sharks. This research was used to in the successful Save Our Shark Campaign to list basking sharks under the Wildlife Act.