Shark and Ray conservation is akin to guarding the guardians of the ocean. It involves the study and implementation of strategies to protect and sustainably manage elasmobranch populations and their habitats, ensuring their survival for future generations. My conservation goals aim to mitigate threats such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change, while also promoting public awareness and engagement to foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and these keystone species.

San Diego is more than just my hometown - it's also the most biodiverse county in the United States. However, it's also known to have the greatest number of plant and animal species threatened with extinction anywhere in the country. Some of the largest threats native San Diego species face are from climate change, human development, invasive species, and habitat loss.  I aim to focus on fragile SoCal ecosystems such as estuaries, while employing effective conservation strategies that are anchored in traditional ecological knowledge.

Did you know sharks and rays are covered in....teeth? Over time, elasmobranchs evolved to develop teeth-like placoid scales all over their bodies called dermal denticles. Denticles help species to swim more efficiently, as well as offer a layer of protection from both physical damage and from parasites due to their shape and structure. This incredible defense system has already inspired numerous biomimicry breakthroughs in the medical, aerodynamic, and even spots industries. Learning more about this fascinating feature can help us understand more about shark and ray species evolution.

It's estimated over 10,000 people in San Diego county are stung by a stingray annually. But research shows that by doing the "stingray shuffle", beachgoers can effectively reduce the chances of being stung. However, a large majority of San Diego residents don't know about the stingray shuffle. Similar human-wildlife conflicts exist all over the world, but especially in biodiverse places like southern California. I aim to utilize social studies and surveys to create better ways of teaching communities about the wildlife they live alongside.