My lab studies the complex feedbacks between human activity and aquatic ecosystem function using both field and laboratory studies. We focus on coastal environments because they include some of the world’s most productive habitats yet are disproportionately threatened by development, climate change, and other anthropogenic stressors. Examples of topics we cover include: the influence of elevated nutrients on water quality, harmful algal bloom causes and consequences, food web dynamics, and the application of new technologies to study processes in the field. Our work provides insight to coastal ecosystem processes and management.