I am a graduate student in Matt Forister’s lab at the University of Nevada Reno. I joined the lab in the summer of 2018. My work focuses on the multifaceted nature of the Anthropocene and its impact on butterfly populations. In other words: I chase and count butterflies in the mountains.

Before coming to UNR, I worked in science education. This took me to Crystal Cove State Park in Southern California and the Carrizo Plain National Monument in the California Central Valley. At Crystal Cove, I worked for Crystal Cove Conservancy, the non-profit organization. While there I developed education programs that engaged K-12 students in community science research. These programs engaged students in active research in restoration ecology and butterfly monitoring. At the Carrizo Plain I worked in interpretation for the Bureau of Land Management.

When not spending time in the mountains to look for butterflies, I spend time in the mountains to be in the mountains! Summiting a peak, making it to a pass, or cruising through a giant valley are all captivating experiences and I am always looking to get away to do more. I especially love ranges off the beaten path, which is most of them in Nevada. I am also a bit of a fantasy nerd, D&D obsessive, and a coffee snob.

I co organize a lecture series called Nerd Nite Reno! It is a monthly lecture series where speakers share whatever they are passionate about. It takes place on the third Wednesday of every month at the West Street Market. Feel free to contact me for more information!

Go A’s.

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