Outreach

Science, especially conservation science, shouldn't be communicated only to scientists. To make meaningful contributions that garner public participation on important issues, requires that we communicate to a broader audience. I am especially interested in communicating science to young people (who isn't?); their enthusiasm and curiosity get to me. To that end, I am grateful to be a science writer for the Earth Science Journal for Kids (where my adapted article recently received praise in Nature!). One of the most fulfilling new developments in my life is leading a team of volunteers to tutor AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Oakland High School students. I strive to help students navigate the difficult path to becoming the first in their families to go to college. I am also very excited to help organize volunteers for citizen science and restoration. In particular, we are always seeking volunteers for monitoring (see the results of Riverside's Sycamore Canyon's first ever BioBlitz) and ongoing coastal sage scrub and cactus wren habitat restoration at Lake Hodges. Finally, I try to promote the great work of fellow scientists who inspire me; please see my contributions to Mongabay, UCR Today, and the Napa Valley Register.