Bio

Carly’s research background spans shark biology, fisheries science, and the application of minimally invasive genetic techniques to marine conservation and ecological research. Her master’s research used phylogenetic approaches to investigate how historical climate change contributed to speciation in deep-sea dogfish sharks. Following her master’s degree, Carly worked at the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, where her primary research focused on using environmental DNA (eDNA) to investigate the spatial and temporal habitat use of winter flounder.

As a Research Specialist at CMAST, she supports the Aquatic Animal Health and Shellfish Pathology programs under Dr. Harms and Dr. Ben-Horin. Through the Aquatic Animal Health program, she contributes to work involving sea turtle strandings and rehabilitation, marine mammal strandings, fish medicine, and other aspects of aquatic animal health. Her work with the Shellfish Pathology program includes research on oyster growth and mortality, harmful algal blooms, blue crab disease transmission, and other emerging challenges affecting marine and coastal species.

In addition to her research responsibilities, Carly provides teaching support and assists with laboratory management and operations. Her interdisciplinary background in marine biology, molecular biology, genetics, and conservation allows her to contribute to a broad range of research and applied projects focused on understanding and protecting aquatic animals and ecosystems.