About Me

Background

I was born and raised in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. One of the most formative experiences I remember from my childhood was Milwaukee's Cryptosporidium outbreak in 1993. This event spurred my interest in water quality, water resource management, and non-market valuation.

I competed in forensics (competitive public speaking) through my middle school, high school and undergraduate years. This extracurricular activity took me all over the country and exposed me to many interesting people and ideas. I developed skills for writing, editing, and delivering speeches through forensics and translate that to research communication today.

My favorite non-academic jobs include working at several bike stores in Wisconsin and Colorado. Cycling is my favorite pastime and I may or may not have bikes hiding in all the closets of my apartment!

When I'm not in the classroom, at my computer, or at a conference you can find me enjoying time with my family outdoors!