Outreach

I see science communication and community outreach as essential parts of being a scientist. Sharing research beyond academic circles helps make science more accessible, builds trust, and creates space for collaboration with the people most impacted by scientific discoveries. Programs that involve community scientists, like iNaturalist or eBird, are great examples of how outreach can also strengthen science itself. They expand the reach of data collection while giving people a chance to connect more deeply with the plants and animals in their own neighborhoods. Learning about local flora and fauna can spark curiosity, build pride in local ecosystems, and empower residents to play an active role in the conservation of ecosystems that are often most affected by human activity. Outreach isn’t just about explaining science- it’s about building partnerships that benefit both people and the environment and inspiring the next generation of scientists. 

Thermal images taken with an IR camera are a great way of demonstrating how ectotherms interact with their environment. On the left, we see a fence lizard basking on a hot rock and using conductive heat to increase it's body temperature. On the right, is a lizard that just came out of a crevice, cold and seeking a spot to bask. The way that organisms will move from sun to shade and back in order to adjust their internal body temperature is called behavioral thermoregulation. 

Through summer science camps, local park events, and UNR's Museum of Natural History, I've been able to teach the community about local herpetofauna, the types of questions researchers ask, and the tools and techniques we use to gather data to answer those questions.