I am interested in the evolution and behavior of fishes. For my dissertation, I investigated patterns of biparental investment in relation to aspects of sexual selection. Specifically, I examined if male and female convict cichlids use information about parent care behaviors when make mate choice decisions, and if female convict cichlids increase a behavior key to offspring survival when engaging in mate guarding. I strongly believe in providing students an opportunity to participate in scientific research during their education, and I also believe in fostering collaboration between scientists and hobbyists interested in fishes to further our understanding of fish biology. In my spare time, I foster dogs and cats through local rescues, and compete in Nose Work (a canine scent detection sport for companion dogs) with my Florida brown dog.