Yale University Ph.D. in Forestry and Environmental Studies, 2018
University of Michigan B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 2011 M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 2013
Professional Experience
RESEARCH
Princeton University Present High Meadows Environmental Institute Postdoctoral Associate
American Museum of Natural History Fall 2018 – Summer 2021 As an NSF postdoctoral fellow, I conduct both independent research with a focus on biodiversity conservation as well as develop and implement projects in collaboration with the Museum's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation. My independent research is centered in Pacific Island coastal wetland conservation and investigates two complementary questions: 1. How do community structure and trophic interactions influence ecosystem functioning? And 2. What are the biocultural values associated with coastal wetlands and how do these influence conservation outcomes?
Yale University – PhD Research Fall 2013 – Fall 2018 My doctoral dissertation research instilled an ecological perspective into wetland restoration to determine whether community structure and biodiversity are important factors in restoration success. For this work, I conducted ecological experiments in wetlands along the Connecticut coastline to evaluate the impact of trophic interactions on ecosystem functions with implications for restoration practice.
Yale University – Collaborative Research Fall 2015 – Fall 2017 I collaborated on a research project to present a synthesis of information on how the complexity of food webs and the strength of species interactions influence the success of invasion by non-native species. Using data from various studies investigating the impact of invasive species on native communities, we found that high-connectance food webs tend to host fewer invaders and exert stronger biotic resistance compared to low-connectance webs.
University of Michigan – M.S. Thesis Research Fall 2011 – Summer 2013 My M.S. research evaluated the species status of a putative new species of freshwater snail in southeastern Oregon. Using molecular techniques, I extracted DNA samples from specimens and sequenced their genetic code at distinct gene locations. The molecular results in conjunction with shell morphological analyses that the species under study is a taxonomically distinct species that should be formally described and considered for conservation.
TEACHING AND ADVISING
Columbia University Fall 2018 - Summer 2021 Adjunct Professor – Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology
As an adjunct professor in Columbia’s E3B Department, I develop and implement undergraduate and graduate-level courses in topics ranging from general Conservation Biology to Biodiversity and Social Change. For each course, I combine interactive lectures, in-class activities, assigned readings, and diverse participation approaches to enhance the proficiency of participants to understand, study, and work using an interdisciplinary and holistic academic lens.
American Museum of Natural History Fall 2018 – Summer 2021 Science Research Mentoring Program
My responsibilities as a teacher and mentor in the SRMP are to provide after school programing on biodiversity and conservation to high school students who are traditionally underrepresented in the discipline, while mentoring 2-3 students in an applied biodiversity conservation research project. Here, I meet with a group of 20 students twice a week during the academic year and provide 2 hours of biodiversity conservation educational content. Additionally, I meet with 2-3 mentees twice a week over a calendar year and guide them through the process of research development, analysis, and communication.
Yale University Teaching Assistant Fall 2014, 2015, 2016 School of Forestry and Environmental Studies; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department
For each course that I served as teaching assistant, I was responsible for the following: Guiding scientific inquiry and research project development, advising group research initiatives, overseeing field trips and activities, conducting laboratory analyses, leading discussion sections, reading and evaluating student assignments/tests, and holding office hours. Course levels included undergraduate and graduate students.
Yale Young Global Scholars Program Instructor Summer 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
As lead instructor during this summer program, I developed and administered curriculum for several science-based seminars and facilitated group-based research projects for advanced high school students. In addition to class-based involvement, I also engaged with students informally through small-group activities, casual encounters during free time, and one-on-one meetings.
Yale Pathways to Science Scholar Program Instructor. Summer 2015, 2016, 2017
As an instructor for this summer program, I developed and administered curriculum for a week-long workshop for local underrepresented high school students interested in college-level life science curriculum. This workshop focused on building natural ecosystems and understanding how they function through several hands-on activities, debates, and simulations.
University of Michigan Teaching AssistantFall 2011, 2012 and Winter 2012 Biology Department
For the undergraduate biology courses that I served as teaching assistant, I worked with professors to develop syllabi, construct weekly lesson plans, write exam questions, proctor exams, administer grades, and facilitate group assignments and discussions. Individuals or small groups of students received additional support with course curriculum during weekly office hours.