My main scientific interest lies within the study of adaptive evolution and natural selection. I am particularly interested in uncovering the ecological and genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic divergence among populations and species using experimental approaches. My PhD research focuses on reduction in defensive armour in populations of freshwater threespine stickleback and includes elements of natural history, morphometry, quantitative and molecular genetics, and examining selection under both natural and experimental conditions. This research was done in Dolph Schluter's Lab at the University of British Columbia.

In addition to using threespine stickleback to examine selection in nature, I continue to work on the role of phenotypic plasticity in adaptive evolution using intertidal barnacles. Previously, my MSc work with Rich Palmer at the University of Alberta examined the influence of spatial and temporal variability in wave-exposure on phenotypic variability in the feeding structures of barnacles. Additionally, I have been involved in collaborative projects (with Mike Nishizaki and Dr. KC Burns) on patterns of character displacement in barnacle communities and with Drs. Res Altwegg and Brad Anholt on inducible predator defence in ciliated protists, Euplotes.