As a Research Scientist II at Colorado State University, I draw from my background in both natural and social sciences in my research that often crosses disciplinary boundaries.
Science Education Research
My STEM education research currently focuses on addressing DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice) issues in STEM education. This research spans integrating DEIJ topics into undergraduate engineering courses to studying how sex and gender are taught in biology classes, and the impact of content that predominantly teaches sex/gender as binary constructs on students with transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming and questioning gender identities.
Forest Ecology Research
I am currently the primary investigator (PI) on a project evaluating the survival of limber pine seedlings, 10 growing seasons after the initial planting. This project is in collaboration with the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Mountain Studies Institute. We presented our results at the High Elevation Five Needle Pines II Conference, in October 2021, and are preparing to submit the paper describing our results for publication.
Interests
Exploring the world through backpacking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and running; knitting; teaching and doing yoga and meditation; travel; dogs; photography; writing poetry; and gardening.
Skills
Ecology and social science research; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research; statistical and qualitative data analysis software; student mentoring; scientific writing; GPS and GIS; map and compass; plant identification; dendrochronology analysis; forest survey; backcountry field research leadership; outdoor environmental education and interpretation; Leave No Trace Trainer; yoga instructor; Wilderness First Responder; and backpacking and backcountry canoeing.
Science Education Research
My STEM education research currently focuses on addressing DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice) issues in STEM education. This research spans integrating DEIJ topics into undergraduate engineering courses to studying how sex and gender are taught in biology classes, and the impact of content that predominantly teaches sex/gender as binary constructs on students with transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming and questioning gender identities.
Forest Ecology Research
I am currently the primary investigator (PI) on a project evaluating the survival of limber pine seedlings, 10 growing seasons after the initial planting. This project is in collaboration with the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Mountain Studies Institute. We presented our results at the High Elevation Five Needle Pines II Conference, in October 2021, and are preparing to submit the paper describing our results for publication.
Interests
Exploring the world through backpacking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and running; knitting; teaching and doing yoga and meditation; travel; dogs; photography; writing poetry; and gardening.
Skills
Ecology and social science research; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research; statistical and qualitative data analysis software; student mentoring; scientific writing; GPS and GIS; map and compass; plant identification; dendrochronology analysis; forest survey; backcountry field research leadership; outdoor environmental education and interpretation; Leave No Trace Trainer; yoga instructor; Wilderness First Responder; and backpacking and backcountry canoeing.