Welcome!

I am currently a Professor of Biology at Truckee Meadows Community College. My research interest is ecology, and I have most extensively studied horned lizards, but also insects, amphibians, and plants. I also have a broad background in natural history, which I am most passionate about. I completed my Ph.D. in Biology at Utah State University in Dr. Brodie's Lab, where I investigated the morphologies, genetics, and ecology of a dwarfed, isolated population of short-horned lizards and Great Plains toads in the San Luis Valley, Colorado. I worked on my Master's in Biology at Central Washington University in Dr. Daniel Beck's lab, where I investigated the ecology of the pygmy short-horned lizard in Washington. I attended Whittier College for my undergraduate degrees in Ecology and Sociology and completed my thesis on nest site selection by the northern dusky salamander over multiple habitat scales.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to live in and travel to some spectacular places. I enjoy doing almost everything outdoors, including hiking, camping, backpacking, biking, paddleboarding/kayaking, rock climbing, and traveling. I have a passion for educating others, especially when I get to talk about lizards. I attempt to be environmentally conscientious and support my local community.