About me
In a nutshell?
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Science
Technology
Research
Education
Arts
Mathematics
Science Background
Curiosity about the natural world drives my love for ecology and data-based decision making fuels my passion for science and change-making. I am fascinated by indicators of ecological changes, both species and ecosystems, and the impact they hold in predicting future environmental changes. My two main systems of study, amphibian populations and alpine lakes have both been considered bellwethers of environmental changes because of their sensitivity to their environment. Understanding basic ecosystem patterns and processes and how these are changing over time is imperative to conserving the integrity of unique organisms and sensitive ecosystems.
My hands-on approach early in my career led to fascinating experiences as a field ecologist researching and managing declining amphibian populations throughout the Americas. I am eternally grateful for the adventures of my early career. After completing my Master's at San Francisco State University studying the effects of glyphosate (the active ingredient of the herbicide, Roundup) on western toads, I spent several years working with the US Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service in conservation research of threatened and endangered toads.
Yet, wanting to progress my career on the research track, I decided it was time to dive in head first and pursue a PhD. And while I was at it, I might as well expand my knowledge beyond amphibians and focus on microbial ecology of high elevation lakes.
My dissertation research examines aquatic-terrestrial connections and its effects on microbial communities of high mountain lakes. I am specifically interested in how the inflow from terrestrial environments affects microbial communities and am studying lakes in drainages that cross treeline to observe the impacts. In the context of warming temperatures, rising treeline elevations, increased precipitation events, would the increased organic matter impact microbial communities? How stable are these communities? How do alpine lake microbial food webs differ from subalpine lakes? How do these communities differ along gradients of differing sources of organic matter?
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Read more about my current research here.
No matter what I am studying, I explore the natural world most passionately by dirtying my hands. This framework permeates most aspects of my life, both as an ecologist and as an artist.
Aiming to integrate the natural world through unconventional designs, I create functional pottery with the antithesis of mass produced in mind. No two pieces will ever be alike and has each mug, tea cup, and plate has its own personality and story to tell. Hop on over to my online pottery store and take a look!
Scientific Illustration and watercolor paintings
“Stop sharpening your pencils,” my art instructors used to tell me. And it drove me nuts. It wasn’t until I found the field of scientific illustration that I felt my love for detail in art was truly appreciated. Properly depicting each segment on an ant’s antennae or the scales on a snake's back definitely required sharp pencils. See some of my illustrations and paintings here.
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What I love about photography is being able to communicate the beauty I see in the world around me to others. Check out some of my photographs here.