Education:
2023 Ph.D. Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
2018 M.S. Biology; University of California – San Diego
2016 B.S. Ecology, Behavior & Evolution; University of California – San Diego

Research Interests:
I am fascinated by alpine beetles. The intriguing affect that climate cycles have had on mountain habitats has made them an ideal setting to study the development of functional traits. Beetles represent one of the most diverse taxa known, making alpine beetle ecology a particularly enticing model system to examine.

My Master’s work focused on the utility of morphological traits to predict trophic ecology in native ants on Santa Cruz Island. The similarity between island systems and mountain systems piqued my interest and the utility of morphology as a functional trait continues to intrigue me. I hope to blend my background of functional ecology with my interest in alpine beetles to better understand the evolution of functional traits.

Personal Interests:
I love rock climbing (indoor and outdoor), hiking, backpacking, and camping. I enjoy reading and watching science fiction from the ‘50s and ‘60s, preferably with my cats nearby. I’ve been knitting and crocheting since I was 9 and enjoy making my own clothes. Despite spending most of my life in Southern California, I am excited for snow!