Research

Over the past two decades, research in my laboratory has explored the linkages between physiology, nutrition, and performance in mammalian systems. Primarily, our work is focused on polar marine mammals, as the challenges these species face to exploit underwater food resources in a highly seasonal environment have led to multiple unique adaptations that highlight basic physiological principles. Research activities have proceeded along three main lines:

1. Understanding the pattern of physiological development in juvenile marine mammals, and how it is regulated;

2. Determining how physiological condition impacts diving performance and foraging success; and

3. Determining how critical life history events are influenced by, and reflective of, individual condition and prey availability and environmental conditions.

These questions are particularly relevant in polar ecosystems, where climate change is reducing available habitats, and altering food webs, but they are important to all populations.