B.F.A. Visual Arts, Florida State University
M.S. Restoration Ecology, University of Washington
Ph.D. Conservation Biology, University of Washington

I believe teaching is a reciprocal activity and student-centered classrooms are petri-dishes for imagination and critical thinking. I am convinced that imagination and critical thinking are paramount to understanding the complexity of ecological issues in the 21st century. Working with students has given me new insights into my own research, including new methods for integrated study. As an instructor, I strive to encourage student resilience by providing every student with a firm grounding in basic concepts, opportunities to investigate real-world problems using an interdisciplinary approach and give students the tools they need to critically evaluate material in classroom and field settings.

As a conservation scientist and visual artist my practice and research interests are multi-faceted. I engage in purely ecological work as well as use a highly integrative approach in my visual art practice including collaborative performance, experimental investigation, temporary and permanent installations and scientific research practice. My ecological research focuses on species-level conservation biology (rare butterflies and pollinators) and plant community restoration. I am fascinated by the political nature of endangered species conservation and the barriers that limit us from the study and preservation of imperiled species worldwide.