Hi, I’m Shennice! As a researcher, my interests lie in quantitative and spatial ecology, and the application of modelling tools to address ecological questions. My academic journey started with undergraduate research in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University of Toronto. My interest in the links between ecosystem, animal, and human health led me to pursue a MSc in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases & Antimicrobial Resistance at the University of Glasgow.
My PhD research addresses key gaps in our understanding of mosquito distributions in Scotland by modelling how environmental and land-use shape their populations and community composition. The key aim of this research is to investigate mosquito-environment relationships by integrating species traits and phylogeny using hierarchical Bayesian joint species distribution models to account for species that are rare yet of high public health concern. The results of this research will inform public health strategies by identifying seasonal patterns of mosquito distributions and potential high-risk habitats for mosquito borne disease transmission.
Aside from understanding the world through statistics and ecology, I also enjoy exploring it through literature and art. On quieter days, you can find me reading, knitting, or playing video games.