About

I am a biologist, educator, and scientific communicator with a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Vermont. My work spans ecological research, higher education teaching, and data analysis, with a focus on translating complex scientific information into clear, accessible insights.

My research has focused on aquatic ecosystems and how they respond to environmental change, particularly nutrient enrichment and system recovery. I have used the pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea as a model microecosystem to study ecological processes in a controlled, replicated system that allows for rapid experimental analysis of community dynamics and environmental change. More broadly, I am interested in how ecological systems respond to disturbance and how that knowledge can inform environmental understanding and decision-making.

Alongside my research, I have extensive experience in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in biology and environmental science. I design and facilitate hands-on learning experiences that emphasize scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and collaborative problem-solving. Across my academic roles, I have worked with hundreds of students, supporting their development as learners, researchers, and communicators.

My interest in aquatic ecosystems began during a summer position with the State of Vermont’s Lay Monitoring Program, where I worked alongside citizen scientists collecting water quality data from lakes and ponds across the state, including Lake Champlain. That experience grounded my scientific interests in real-world environmental monitoring and deepened my connection to Vermont’s freshwater systems.

I am currently based in South Burlington, Vermont, and I am interested in applying my skills in research, data analysis, communication, and education in applied or mission-driven environments where scientific understanding can support real-world impact.