Who am I?

I am an evolutionary ecologist with a passion for understanding the evolution, ecology, and impacts of introduced plants, especially in the context of species invasion and dispersal.  I earned my PhD in Ecology in 2018 from Colorado State University where I was co-advised by Dr. Ruth Hufbauer and Dr. Andrew Norton, where I used common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) to test theory on dispersal, invasion success, and plant-insect interactions.  As a postdoc and then research associate with Dr. Bernd Blossey (2018 to 2022), I applied my perspectives on eco-evolutionary theory through the lens of invasive species management, with a focus on biological control.  As an Assistant Professor at UNCW and now at Virginia Tech, I continue to explore creative approaches for improving how we assess the impacts of invasions and their management, such as working with local acoustic experts and regional land managers to record changes in bird, frog, and bat communities.  An integral part of all of my endeavors is my passion for teaching and mentoring, particularly in terms of empowering traditionally underrepresented groups in the sciences.

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