I'm a marine ecologist and writer by trade. I own and operate Wild Ocean Research, a bespoke scientific consulting practice catering to clients in academia, conservation, industry, government, and intergovernmental organizations. I am also an Adjunct Professor at Dalhousie University, where I sometimes teach.
My research and writing explore the connections between people and the oceans and how to communicate scientific knowledge to decision-makers and society toward sustainable seas.
Bio
I grew up surrounded by tall forests and deep lakes in Northern Ontario, but I always felt pulled toward the sea. I migrated to Canada's Atlantic coast at the first chance and began seeking new ways to explore, interact with, and understand the ocean.
I travelled for several years as a deep-sea fisherman, diver, and commercial fishery observer. These experiences sharpened my curiosity about global conservation issues and ultimately led me to become a marine scientist.
I received a BSc in marine biology with a minor in oceanography and a Ph.D. in marine ecology from Dalhousie University. My doctoral thesis, Global patterns of marine phytoplankton change over the past century, received the CAGS-Proquest Distinguished Dissertation Award for the top doctoral dissertation across Canada and the Dalhousie Faculty of Graduate Studies Doctoral Thesis Award.
As a marine scientist, I've worked for various national and international non-governmental organizations and academic institutions, including the United Nations, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, Queen's University, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, The Ocean Frontier Institute, The Ocean Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and Oceans North. In 2018, I received the Canadian National Committee for the Scientific Committee on Ocean Research (CNC-SCOR) Early Career Ocean Scientist Award for outstanding contribution to the marine sciences within Canada.
As a writer, I hold a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative nonfiction writing from the University of Kings College. I'm interested in science translation and engaging and communicating more broadly about important issues facing our oceans. My writing has appeared in The Conversation, Carbon Brief, and The Globe and Mail.
Over the years, my research and writing have varied but consistently touched on the theme of understanding how stressors, such as climate change and fishing, disrupt marine life, what the consequences are for people and communities, and how to develop science-based solutions.
In 2024, I founded Wild Ocean Research, a consulting practice through which I offer tailored research support and writing services geared primarily toward the ocean sciences. I enjoy the flexibility of consulting and the chance to engage in exciting research projects with diverse clients worldwide, spanning academia, industry, and conservation. I love it.
Away from science and writing, I'm fascinated to learn about the world and the many different ways that people exist within it. I travel as often as possible, but I'm always excited to return home on the wild and beautiful Nova Scotian coastline, where I'm a dad to my two lovely daughters and a husband to my supportive wife. When not crunching numbers, writing, or answering emails, I'm often playing Frisbee at the beach with Nemo, my furry four-legged bud, pulling weeds in my greenhouse, shooting hoops, eating cheese, hanging with my kids, or surfing the waves out back.
