I am incredibly honored to receive the Wilbur Duncan Outstanding Graduate Student Award from my department. This recognition would not have been possible without the constant support of my mentors, collaborators, friends, and family. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in my academic journey, and I am deeply grateful for the community that has supported me throughout this process. 

I’m excited to share that I was recently awarded an ASCEND Award from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at UGA to support a research internship at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. During this internship, I will investigate the population genetics of the critically imperiled mountain purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea var. montana) and assess how well its genotypes are represented in safeguarded populations maintained by botanical gardens.

Photo Credit: Michael Kunz, North Carolina Botanical Garden

Working with state agencies and Tennessee Valley Authority partners, we have established long-term demographic monitoring of the federally listed Pityopsis ruthii, a species endemic to two riverbeds in East Tennessee. Our goal is to understand how hydrology and dam releases influence populations of this highly threatened plant.

Just got back from an incredible experience contributing to a 30-year plant demographic study in the Alaskan Arctic. What an amazing, beautiful, and wild place. Can’t wait to go back! 

Had an amazing time at Evolution 2025— Grateful for the chance to share my work on how phenological shifts are impacting plant fitness. Until next time!

I had a wonderful experience presenting my spring wildflower phenology research at the British Ecological Society Meeting in Liverpool! So many great connections and future collaborations.

Just wrapped up a fantastic weekend at the Southeastern Population Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics Meeting! Great talks, conversations, and amazing people. Honored to be recognized as the runner-up in the student lightning talk competition!