My PhD research explores the ecological importance of headwater streams and their contribution to regional aquatic biodiversity. Although often overlooked in conservation, small streams frequently support unique biological communities and contribute disproportionately to diversity at a landscape level.
To better understand what drives this distinctiveness, my research examines headwater biodiversity across multiple biological groups: fish, macroinvertebrates, and potentially other taxa using environmental DNA (eDNA). By integrating national-scale datasets, field-based sampling, and controlled experiments, I aim to identify the relative roles of ecological selection, dispersal, and anthropogenic disturbance in shaping headwater communities across different spatial scales.
Working Thesis Title:
Exploring 尾-Diversity Patterns in Headwaters: Do They Exist, and What Drives Them?
Supervisors:
Primary Supervisor: James Brasington
Co-Supervisors: Issie Barrett, Nixie Boddy, Russell Death
Research Interests:
- Freshwater ecology
- Aquatic biodiversity and community structure
- Management and conservation of waterways
- Biomonitoring
Academic history:
-BSc in Biological Sciences - Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Mexico聽
-Master of Environmental Management - Massey University, New Zealand
