Who am I?

I am an evolutionary ecologist with a passion for understanding how insects shape the evolution and ecology of 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.  For my PhD, 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 now research associate with Dr. Bernd Blossey, I currently apply my perspectives on eco-evolutionary theory through the lens of invasive species management, with a focus on biological control.  I also 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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