Education:
Ph.D. Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2018-present)
M.S. Agroecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2018-present)
B.S. Environmental Science, University of Oregon Clark Honors College (2017)

Research interests:
I am interested in a systems-scale, agroecological approach to crop pest management. I aim to conduct interdisciplinary, participatory research that develops practical and sustainable methods that help farmers control major crop pests. I am also interested in creative and impactful science communication.

My undergraduate research examined spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) development in blueberry, and helped me to develop an interest in using applied research as a tool for problem solving in agriculture. Next, I worked as a research assistant at the USDA ARS in Corvallis, Oregon, where my work focused on biocontrol of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) with the samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus). I examined the suitability of frozen BMSB egg masses for T. japonicus rearing and experimentation, and tested floral resources for T. japonicus. After four field seasons working with SWD and BMSB, I realized that I had become an accidental entomologist, and that’s how I ended up here at UW Madison.

My current project is co-advised by Dr. Christelle Guedot and Dr. Amaya Atucha in Horticulture. I am investigating using polyethylene and biodegradable mulches to control SWD in raspberry, as well as impacts on plant growth, yield, soils, and more.

Personal interests:
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, gardening, practicing and teaching yoga, running, cycling, hiking, watercoloring, knitting & crocheting, and dogs & cats.