I’m a PhD Candidate in Population Biology at the University of California, Davis – advised by Dr. Jay Stachowicz. I am broadly interested in how interactions between plants and animals shape the evolution and ecology of marine systems. My dissertation research asks how ecological disturbance in the form of grazing by geese affects the number and identity of clones in a seagrass bed. I am addressing this question through a series of manipulative field experiments and lab mesocosms in Bodega Bay, CA.
Before coming to UC Davis, I completed a master’s degree with Dr. Erik Sotka at the College of Charleston. My master’s thesis studied the ecological consequences of an interaction between a native decorator worm and an invasive seaweed. While in Charleston, I also worked in collaboration with Dr. Stacy Krueger-Hadfield to use genetic tools to track the invasion history of the seaweed.
Prior to beginning grad school, I worked as a technician for Dr. Martha Burford-Reiskind through Cornell University and for the PISCO research group at Oregon State University. I have a Bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, where I worked in the lab of Dr. Ben Miner, and an Associate’s degree from Wenatchee Valley Community College. As an undergrad, I also participated in a REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program with Dr. Sonya Dyhrman at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
When I am not doing science, I enjoy long walks along the coast, yoga, spending time with loved ones, and afternoon naps. After all, rest is the paradox that brings productivity!
