This page offers a narrative-driven version of my CV, designed to help non-academic readers understand the highlights and milestones of my educational journey. If you’re looking for a more detailed, academic-focused CV, please click here.

I am a broadly trained botanist, with a research specialty in ferns, who is interested in exploring the mechanisms for why we find species where we do. I do this through a combination of approaches utilizing Population Genetics, Ecophysiology, and Biogeography. In addtion to my research I have a deep passion for inspiring a love of learning in all students. 

University of Tennessee, Knoxville: August 2023-Present

• Degree: Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Drawn to the vibrant research community and interdisciplinary opportunities within the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, I chose to pursue my Ph.D. at UT. In addition to conducting original research, my graduate coursework has deepened my understanding of ecological and evolutionary theory, strengthened my quantitative data analysis skills, and introduced me to the formal study of biology education. This combination of research, advanced training, and pedagogical study is shaping me into a well-rounded scientist and educator.

Teaching is a noble profession, and I have been honored to have teach a wide variety of courses, which have greatly informed the way I teach.

Tutoring at Roane State as an undergraduate was my first introduction to the teaching profession and has profoundly shaped my identity as an educator. In this role, I provide both online and in-person support across a wide range of subjects, tailoring my approach to meet diverse student needs. I regularly collaborate with professors to enhance student success and work with fellow tutors to organize group study sessions and share effective tutoring strategies.

I got my first formal teaching experience as a graduate teaching assitant (TA) at UT.  I have taught mainly introductory biology courses for both majors and non-majors. For my majors, I taught a few sections of BioLit; these were discussion based classes where I introduced the concepts of scientific inquiry (how do we get interested in a research question, set up experiments, analyze data, and make conclusions) through the lens of ecology and evolutionary biology. For my non-majors, I have taught lab courses that cover a wide range of topics in cellular, organismal, ecological, behavioral, and evolutionary biology- with the goal of getting them to think about what it means to be a living creature on our biodiverse planet. 

My work with the non-majors led me to be promoted to a Head TA position for the non-major courses. In addition to teaching, I would have meetings with the lab coordinator and fellow head TA's where we worked on revamping the lab exercises to more engaging and relevant for students. Specifically, I redesigned two labs on "Plants" and "Protists and Fungi" by incorporating additional critical thinking and application activities, and I created an entirely new lab focused on "Biomes." I also had the responsibility of mentoring fellow TA's, by giving them advice on teaching or how to handle tricky situations. 

If you want to learn more about my teaching experience, check out my teaching portfolio here. 

While science is often seen as testing hypotheses, generating data, and sharing discoveries, I believe it’s just as important to give back to the people and communities who make this work possible—and to mentor the next generation of scientists. This mission is especially meaningful to me, as I spent much of my life without science role models. I support my community in two main ways: through professional service and community outreach.

Professional service means supporting the scientific community directly. I do this by reviewing scholarly articles to ensure their quality, helping colleagues revise their ideas and papers, serving on graduate program committees, and mentoring undergraduate students—whether that’s helping them with research or guiding them on their academic journeys. Community outreach is about sharing the excitement of science with the broader public and giving back to the communities where we work. My outreach has included helping local clubs fundraise for charities, organizing a summer STEM camp for middle schoolers, and introducing elementary school students to the fascinating world of ferns. Although these types of community support are distinct, they often blend together, which can be seen in my work with the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society at Roane State. I served as Secretary of the Chapter, where I maintained service hour records, assisted with logistics of two major projects, established a welcoming committee, and mentored following officers- racking up over 200 service hours.  

By combining these efforts, I strive to make science more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive

• Proficient in R Studio, R Shiny, and Biological Data Analysis 

• Proficient in various Bioinformatic Tools including, but not limited to: 

  • Protein structure tools, NCBI BLAST programs, and gene enrichment tools 

• Trained in microscopy and various laboratory and field techniques  

• Trained in First Aid and CPR 

• Strong oral and written communication skills for a wide range of audiences