Immunology, toxicology, immunotoxicology and pathology of aquatic animals. My main interest is in comparative immunotoxicology, with special interest in marine organisms (ranging from invertebrates such as oysters and lobsters, to marine mammals, fish and sea turtles). In addition to focused research projects, my lab has developed large scale collaborations such as bottlenose dolphin health assessment (most recently to assess the health impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico). Such studies involve field work with upwards of 80 people involved, and over 200 individual samples distributed to 40-50 labs, and workshops to integrate the results across labs. More recently, I have joined a consortium to submit a superfund proposal on the detections, health effects and remediation of perfluorinated compounds (PFAS). My goal for the next 10 years is to continue to obtain individual research grants in my lab, work towards large, multi-PI and multi-disciplinary grants, continue to develop large scale collaborations for broad health assessments, and continue to integrate efforts between my research lab and my functions as director of Connecticut Sea Grant.

No formal teaching assignment since my appointment as Sea Grant director. No formal teaching assignment since my appointment as Sea Grant director. Earlier, I taught graduate classes in immunobiology and toxicologic pathology.