My Story

I grew up heavily involved in music and began singing at a young age. Unsure of my future music career, I eventually minored in music and majored in English at the University of Minnesota in 2001. After spending time as a freelance writer and a sales representative in retail, I wanted to engage in environmental issues. I moved to San Jose, California in 2004 and started a master's program in Environmental Studies at San Jose State University. At San Jose State, I was introduced to forest ecology, environmental education, and natural resources issues. I fell in love with coast redwood forests and completed a field-based master's among the redwoods of Mendocino County. Following graduation, I worked as an adjunct lecturer at San Jose State University and an environmental consultant for ICF International in San Jose. I worked on Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Impact Reports, Habitat Conservation Plans, and Natural Community Conservation Plans throughout the Bay Area. Inspired by technical experts I worked with at ICF, I pursued a PhD in Botany in 2011 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I studied changes in plant communities over space and time using ecology and paleoecology methods. Since graduation, I've pursued teaching opportunities, as I am passionate about engaging students and the public in scientific inquiry.