Current Research
My current work focuses on Alaskan populations of snow and Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi and C. opilio), and their parasite Hematodinium sp.. Hematodinium is a globally-distributed dinoflagellate notorious for damaging crustacean fisheries and aquaculture. In Chionoecetes, it manifests as BCS (Bitter Crab Syndrome), which turns the crab flesh chalky and astringent.
I’m investigating the relationship between Hematodinium and Chionoecetes, along with the response of this system to climate change. To do so, I use both transcriptomics and generalized linear models.
Background
Prior to joining the Roberts lab, I worked on snow and Tanner crab research with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. While there, I assisted with crab fecundity studies, fishery sampling, and surveys of Bering Sea crab populations. I also joined some non-crab-related projects, including sampling deliveries of groundfish and monitoring salmon runs. I have also worked with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on herring spawn events and ichthyoplankton distribution.
While at undergrad, I researched genetic links to thermal tolerance in the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas). This project examined the East Coast population of this globally-distributed invader, and found a link between mitochondrial haplotype and cold tolerance.
In my free time, I love long-distance cycling, mixing cocktails, and making candy!
Contact
Email: afcoyle@uw.edu
Office: School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, FTR 234
Mailing address: School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat Street, Room 116, Seattle, WA 98105