I defended my PhD dissertation in the Feldman Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno. My path in biological research began at UC Berkeley as a curatorial assistant at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, where I developed a passion for engaging others in understanding the natural world. This commitment has taken me across diverse environments, from the tropical forests of French Polynesia to the deserts of Arizona, where I conducted behavioral and conservation research on species like flat-tail horned lizards, narrow-headed garter snakes, and various Gekkonids.

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While my PhD research focused on adaptive evolution and the coevolutionary dynamics between toxic newts (Taricha) and resistant garter snakes (Thamnophis) in the Sierra Nevada mountains, I have also cultivated a deep commitment to education that extends beyond the classroom. I apply my research experience and teaching pedagogy through a service learning model, guiding students to engage directly with community-based projects. By designing projects that connect biological studies to current issues, I encourage students to see their learning as a collaborative effort that supports our community’s growth and resilience.

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Currently, as a teaching professor in Reno, Nevada, I am dedicated to building educational experiences that equip STEM students with both scientific knowledge and a sense of responsibility to their communities. This approach reflects my ongoing advocacy for improving undergraduate education through service-oriented, hands-on learning that connects academic study with meaningful contributions to society.