Work and Research |
Jeremy develops artificial intelligence models to automate species detection and classification from visual media, with a focus on sharks and other data-deficient marine taxa. He integrates citizen science records, environmental DNA (eDNA), and remote sensing data to construct high-resolution species distribution models and spatial abundance indices, particularly in regions where traditional survey data are sparse. His research includes modeling particle dispersal in highly dynamic marine systems to estimate eDNA transport, training computer vision algorithms to classify shark species from underwater imagery, and creating statistical frameworks to correct for bias in opportunistic datasets. By bridging machine learning, ecological modeling, and applied conservation, Jeremy’s work aims to fill critical knowledge gaps in marine biodiversity and support more adaptive, transparent, and inclusive ocean management strategies.
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Data Science
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Shark detection and classification with machine learning I develop and maintain a modular software package called the Shark Detector, able to detect and classify over 300 species of sharks to the genus level. I built an R package and Flask API to provide user access to all of the Shark Detector's functions. [sharkPulse] [sharkDetectoR] |
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sharkPulse: A global initiative to increase data on shark observations Sharks are exploited at a fast and unsustainable rate, but we do not know how many sharks are left and for how long. We developed a multifaceted cyberinfrastructure called sharkPulse to automatically crowdsource global observations of sharks and rays to boost data for supplementing population analyses. |
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# of Species |
# of Records |
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Leveraging digital platforms for Tunisian artisanal small-scale fisheries
My experience in data visualization and web application development serves a collaborative goal to practically support small-scale fishers in Tunisia, serving multiple stakeholders, including fishers and seafood vendors, fisheries management authorities, and consumers. The visual functions serve transparency of fishing activity and environmental factors, and invasive species monitoring. Reporting systems also support this ocean use transparency. |
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Monitoring marine protected areas with UAVs The objective of this project is to develop an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that performs daily operations without the need of human intervention. This drone can be controlled worldwide by a remote operator via a cloud support infrastructure. The PoachBuster (PB) runs the Shark Detector object-detection and classification packages to discern shark silhouettes from above. Vessel object-detection software makes the PB drone a spotter for illegal poaching vessels. |
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Molecular Ecology
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eDNA in the Mediterranean Sea I am a biochemist and geneticist working on restructuring the population landscape of elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea. With environmental DNA (eDNA), I am detecting the critically endangered great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) throughout the Sicilian Channel to gauge their population status in a vulnerable region. [Forbes] |
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Partnering with The SeaKeepers Society With the support of the SeaKeepers Society I am leading a multi-faceted project advancing the detection and conservation of sharks and rays in the Mediterranean Sea using environmental DNA (eDNA), oceanographic modeling, and citizen science. This work addresses critical data gaps in species distributions by developing a scalable pipeline to detect elusive elasmobranchs, such as the endangered Mediterranean white shark, through species-specific assays and predictive particle-tracking models. By distributing custom eDNA sampling kits to citizen scientists and integrating remote sensing data with particle dispersal forecasts, my team enhances biodiversity monitoring across space, time, and depth. These methods improve traditional survey efforts and inform strategic conservation actions aimed at protecting highly mobile, data-deficient marine predators in one of the world’s most threatened ocean regions. |
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Giant Deep-Sea Isopods
With Beneath the Waves and Sōkendai University, we are characterizing the genome of giant deep-sea isopods (Bathynomus), a genus that can grow to massive sizes, survive crushing depths and tolerate extreme temperatures and food scarcity. We are investigating their impressive adaptability and physiology. |
