I am passionate about studying the ecology of impacted marine systems and bringing quality education to students. My research has focused on the effects of eutrophication on an estuarine food web. I've worked in wetland science for ten years as both an undergraduate, graduate student and post doctoral researcher. Specifically I have begun to identify the mechanisms by which macroalgal blooms alter benthic community structures and shorebird foraging behavior. In my current post doctoral research position I am helping to develop a macroalgal assessment framework for California estuaries and identify macroalgal abundance thresholds. I firmly believe that science can be accessible to students of all abilities. Engaging lectures combined with project based learning can bring our students to the forefront of biological research.

Ephemeral species of macroalgae respond quickly to nutrient enrichment of lagoons worldwide. Some effects of macroalgal blooms are known how macroalgae affect food webs has been understudied. Moreover, there are gaps in our understanding of which macroalgal abundances result in negative effects, how this varies by region and the eutrophic status of a lagoon. My work focuses on tackling these problems.

I am also passionate about education and mentorship of young scientists especially under represented minorities.

Green, Lauri (2011) MACROALGAL MATS CONTROL TROPHIC STRUCTURE AND SHOREBIRD FORAGING BEHAVIOR IN A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ESTUARY.- University of California, Los Angeles