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Education
I’m currently finishing up my Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. My research has focused on how western fence lizards respond to environmental change, bringing together physiology, behavior, and ecology to understand the bigger picture of trait covariation.
Before this, I earned my master’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University in New Orleans, where I studied how soil lead contamination in urban neighborhoods might influence behavior in native and non-native anoles. Working with a species that was familiar to local residents gave me the chance to connect my research with the community. It also showed me how science can be shared in approachable, meaningful ways - building bridges between research and everyday life.
I began my path in science with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Akron, where I first discovered my interests in ecology and evolution. I explored science through a variety of internships and projects—from extracting rubber from dandelions, to inoculating pigs in a pathogen study, to hooking geckos up to a tiny treadmill. These experiences helped me cultivate a genuine passion for research and the many creative ways we can ask and answer questions about the natural world.
I approach science today through curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to connecting research with real-world conservation and community needs.
Diversity & Inclusion
I believe science is at its best when it is inclusive. At the University of Nevada, Reno, I served for several years as president of our program’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee, where I worked with graduate students and faculty to provide resources for students from underrepresented backgrounds and organized community events to celebrate and support diverse voices.
I also co-created and taught a graduate course on DEI in STEM that focused on helping students understand the historical and present inequities faced by minorities in science. The course took a deep look at how discrimination, both obvious and hidden, shows up across fieldwork, labs, and professional spaces. My goal was to highlight these realities and challenge students to think critically about their own roles in shaping the culture of science. I believe it’s our responsibility to be informed about these issues so that we can create research environments that are more accessible, equitable, and supportive for everyone.
Bringing together different perspectives not only makes research communities more welcoming- it makes the science itself stronger, more creative, and better equipped to solve complex problems.
Interests
Outside of research, I love building community through learning and creativity. I help organize Nerd Nite Reno, a free monthly talk series where people from all walks of life come together to share their passions and curious ideas. I’ve even given a few talks myself on various topics from the history of drugs, to the cultural impact of The X-Files, to the myths surrounding MSG. Beyond that, I enjoy cooking and experimenting with recipes, making crafts and digital art, writing movie reviews on Letterboxd, and attempting (with limited success) to train my cat.
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