About

I am a graduate student in the Gotelli and Ballif labs at the University of Vermont.  My research has focused primarily on aquatic ecosystems; how they change as a result of anthropogenic enrichment and how they recover. We use the aquatic ecosystem found within the leaves of Sarracenia purpurea as a model system to investigate such changes. This unique microecosystem allows us to conduct replicated enrichment experiments in an ecosystem with natural assemblages of bacteria on very short time scales – something that is often difficult or impossible to do with larger lakes and ponds. My hope is that we can directly apply our findings to improving conservation efforts for our water resources.

My interest in aquatic ecosystems piqued during a summer job with the state of Vermont working for a citizen science program called the Lay Monitoring Program.  Volunteers for the LMP take water quality samples at regular intervals over the summer months from about 40 lakes and ponds in Vermont, including the beautiful Lake Champlain, and the data are used to monitor lake health and inform policy.  During my time with the LMP, I fell in love with Vermont’s and our many freshwater lakes and ponds.  I hope to convey this love through the work I do with other scientists, students, and the public.

When I’m not knee-deep in the bog or in the greenhouse I love to play fiddle, tend my vegetable garden, and hit the rock climbing gym.