I am broadly interested in the conservation and restoration of ecosystems, particularly those in biodiversity hotspots.
My current focus is on forest fragmentation, which threatens the survival of many species due to reduced habitat and increased restrictions on dispersal and gene flow. Specifically, I am interested in quantifying the influence of edges on remaining forest stands. Research on changes at forest edges has revealed that edge influence can lead to the further degradation of forest fragments. Furthermore, edge-affected areas are less able to support viable populations of edge-sensitive species, effectively further reducing the area of suitable habitat for many species. My research brings me to the Philippines, a world leader in biodiversity, endemic species, and unfortunately, deforestation. Through forest transects, I seek to answer the following question:
- How does the forest edge compare with the center of remaining forest stands?
Abiotic Effects: How do environmental conditions of affected edges compare to core forest?
Biotic Effects: How are species differentially affected by edge influence?
The applications of this research are heavily conservation oriented. It is my goal to apply my research to highlight high-risk forests in order to plan and organize strategic restoration efforts, link isolated forests, and restore affected edges. Additionally, this research can be used to inform selective logging and agroforestry projects.
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| EDUCATION |
| 2012 - | Ph.D. in Biology (EEB) (The Graduate Center at CUNY) |
| 2011 - 2012 | M.A. in Biology (Clark University) |
| 2007 - 2011 | B.A. in Environmental Science (Conservation Biology) (Clark University) |
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| SELECTED RESEARCH EXPERIENCE |
| 2010 - 2012 | Research Student, Department of Biology, Clark University
Advisors: Dr. Deborah L. Robertson
The role of the 3' UTR in altering mRNA stability of nitrogen assimilating genes in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana |
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| GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS AND AWARDS |
| Summer 2010 | Bickman Fellowship to conduct undergraduate research, Clark University |
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| SELECTED WORK EXPERIENCE |
| 2013 - | Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, City College of New York |
| 2012 | Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, Clark University |
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| SELECTED POSTERS AND PRESENTATIONS |
| May 2013 | University of the Philippines Diliman; Palawan State University
Quantifying the depth of edge influence in fragmented Southeast Asian rainforests
Scott, D.W.* |
| May 2012 | Biology Department Seminar/Master's Defense, Clark University, Worcester, WA
Examining the role of the 3' UTR in altering mRNA stability of the nitrogen assimilatory enzyme nitrate reductase in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Scott, D.W.* |
| April 2012 | Northeast Algal Society 51st Annual Symposium, Schoodic Point, ME
The role of the 3' UTR in altering mRNA stability of nitrogen assimilating genes in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Scott, D.W.*
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| April 2012 | Graduate School Conference, Clark University, Worcester, WA
The role of the 3' UTR in altering mRNA stability of nitrogen assimilating genes in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Scott, D.W.* |
| April 2012 | Academic Spree Day, Clark University, Worcester, WA
Examining the role of the 3' untranslated region in post transcriptional regulation of nitrite reductase in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Poster)
Scott, D.W.* |
| April 2011 | Academic Spree Day, Clark University, Worcester, WA
Transformation of the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Poster)
Scott, D.W.*, Robertson, D.L. |
| November 2010 | Fall Fest, Clark University, Worcester, WA
Construction of an eGFP reporter plasmid for monitoring in vivo transcription in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Poster)
Scott, D.W.*, Aryal, R., Robertson, D.L. |
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| SELECTED SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITIES |
| 2013 - | Student Representative of the EEB sub-program committee, the Graduate Center at CUNY |
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