Research

Ornithological Work

My work has spanned a wide range of topics, from next-generation genomics to theoretical ecology and classic ornithological surveying. My current ornithological work is focused on quantifying ornithological relationships within African birds and understanding their distributions and biogeographic history.

In 2013, I co-founded the Biodiversity Initiative with Dr. Luke L. Powell and Dr. Jared D. Wolfe. Since then, the Biodiversity Initiative has been focusing on on quantifying the bird and mammal communities of Equatorial Guinea. I currently advise on different research projects and assist with collating and confirming sightings and observations.

Photo (right): Bioko Speirops Zosterops brunneus on Pico Basilé, Bioko Norte, Equatorial Guinea.

Ecological Niche Theory

For my ecological research, I rely broadly on the usage of ecological niche models and ecological data derived from different methods and data sources to understand species' distributions and ecological niches. I frequently employ ecological niche models to understand current distributions and to elucidate upon biogeographic history as well as predict future responses to climate change.

At present, I am working on the dynamics and relationships between ecological niches and species distributions at different temporal scales to understand how species expand and contract through time and to better understand the processes that build currently existing ecological communities.

Photo (left): A figure from our paper on Cinnyris reichenowi illustrating ecological niche models of different populations ranges across the African continent.