After a number of years working in coastal conservation and restoration, I am interested in improving the dynamic between resource management and the communities impacted by resource policy, particularly as it relates to different fisheries management approaches.  My pre-dissertation research as a PhD student at Maryland broadly focuses on the development of oyster aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay, the composition and motivation of those currently involved in aquaculture, and future considerations related to oyster aquaculture and management. This project has informed what will be my full dissertation research, describing the cultural ecosystem services associated with oyster aquaculture.  For additional information, please visit my research blog site: http://blog.umd.edu/oyster.