Jessica’s research interests include vulnerability of ecological systems, wetlands and avian ecology. Wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet, especially in the Caribbean. The Caribbean’s diverse wetlands support one of the most remarkable events in the natural world, the large-scale migration of birds between continents. Trinidad and Tobago retain some of the largest remaining wetlands in the Caribbean and are a key link in a major migration route, over 100 species use the islands during their semi-annual journeys. Currently, Jessica is working on a project to evaluate the vulnerability of wetlands and wetland birds and the potential for mutual gains in human-wetland-bird networks in Trinidad and Tobago using an interdisciplinary social-ecological approach.
Biography
I am a PhD student in the Biology Department with a concentration in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution. I earned my Master’s Degree in Avian Sciences at UC Davis in 2010 and subsequently worked for several years as a Biologist in California and Singapore. Prior to joining Tufts, I served as an Associate Editor for PLOS ONE. I enjoy birdwatching, quilting, cycling and visiting National Parks.
