Biosketch

I grew up in on a farm in north Idaho. When I went to college I had aspirations of becoming a veterinarian because I had no idea there was any other choice if you wanted to work with animals and be outside. I attended the University of Montana where, I took an introduction to wildlife course. My mind was blown, working with wildlife could be a job?

I switched majors and received a BS in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, worked multiple temporary field jobs. I went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development from the University of WI- Madison and have been working in the conservation field for a couple (3) decades now. I have worked in a variety of places for agencies, universities and NGOs. My primary muse has been birds with applied conservation at the core. I have done invasive species work in Hawaii, endangered species work for the military in California and spent 10 years with Audubon collaborating with on-the ground partnerships within Important Bird Areas. I am currently with the MN DNR, serving as the Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor.