These days I am primarily a zoologist, but am well-versed in the broader fields of natural history and ecology. I have both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Environmental Science with a Fish & Wildlife Management concentration from APU, along with numerous certificates and certifications from institutions including the Smithsonian National Zoo, San Diego Zoo Global, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, IUCN Red List, and more. I also recently completed an M.A. in Art History and Visual Culture, with my most current research focused on global animal iconography.

My primary academic/research interests include conservation biology (mainly endangered, extinct, and new species), Australasian fauna, taxonomy, ethnozoology, animal iconography, and intersections of natural history and art history. Online, my focus is on science communication, outreach, and education, especially through social media and citizen science. 

In addition to being a volunteer naturalist at my local park and nature center, I have been a curator on the Encyclopedia of Life online, a published contributor on Birds of the World Online, a social media admin for The Wildlife Society’s Women of Wildlife, and an alumni advisor for my alma mater's W-STEM (Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and AWIS (Association of Women in Science) student chapters. I have had research accepted for presentation at academic conferences and publication in journals, and also share my travels and research informally with wider audiences via my Art History Animalia website and social media pages.

Lastly, I also have two decades of experience as a homeschool advocate, including homeschooling my own children from preschool to high school! I am a big proponent of flexible learning, individualized education, and supporting fellow neurodiverse learners, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss how best to work with your learner(s). We all learn in our own way and time, but everyone should have the chance to learn about how cool animals are! 🙂