I am an ecologist interested in processes that shape community structure and dynamics on tropical and temperate reefs. These processes include biotic interactions (competition, predation, mutualism) and abiotic forcing. Most of my research involves field observations and experiments, often with reef fishes as focal organisms. Topics I have explored include effects of density dependence on population dynamics of damselfishes, mutualistic interactions between marine organisms and their biotic host substrates (sea anemones, corals), and determinants of local patterns of species diversity of reef organisms. I am currently a Co-Principal Investigator on the Santa Barbara Coastal and Moorea Coral Reef LTER sites, which are part of NSF’s Long Term Ecological Research Program.