Growing up on a farm surrounded by forest, my passion for the environment was nurtured early on. Witnessing firsthand the habitat destruction and pollution along the edges of the NJ Pinelands, I was compelled to pursue Environmental Conservation as an undergraduate. My studies encompassed both scientific exploration (ecological fieldwork and population genetics research in the lab) and disseminating environmental information through classroom and extracurricular education. I continued to study the impacts of humans in graduate school, where I focused on the effects of chemical pollutants, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals, on animal development, behavior, and community structure.

After obtaining my master’s degree and deepening my appreciation for sustainability, I returned to NJ to play my part in improving the environment. Through a career in higher education and operating my organic farm, I hope to make healthy living—for humans and their ecosystem alike—accessible and understandable to my community. As an educator at Stockton, I investigate innovative methods to enhance science education, specifically examining the benefits of student-generated videos in undergraduate science courses as a tool for deeper engagement and understanding. Most recently, I have returned to my passion for ecological research, and I am pursuing a PhD in Biosciences through the University of Birmingham, UK. My research centers on the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), a charismatic bird of prey and bioindicator. By studying the various environmental factors affecting this raptor in the local Great Bay estuary, I aim to contribute valuable insights into ecosystem health and conservation strategies.

Degrees:

B.S., Environmental Conservation; University of New Hampshire

M.S., Biology; Northern Arizona University

PhD in progress, Biosciences; University of Birmingham