Research Assistant Professor
College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University
and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science
Teaching and Mentoring
Engaging with learners across diverse career stages and backgrounds is one of the most fun and rewarding challenges of my work. Collaborating closely with natural resource professionals, I translate complex scientific data and research into accessible, practical resources that directly guide land management decisions. I also periodically teach and mentor at the university and K-12 levels. Although I am not currently accepting new graduate students, I am available to co-advise or serve on student committees.
In my teaching and mentoring I strive to: encourage curiosity, celebrate diversity and champion individual's strengths and interests, maintain clear and kind communication, and promote mutual respect and learning
University-level teaching experience:
Visiting Assistant Professor, Macalester College, Big Data in Ecology (cross-listed in Biology and Environmental Studies). Instructor of Record. Spring 2026.
Assistant Professor, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Biogeography: the Science and Art of Observation (virtual). Instructor of Record. Summer 2021
Associate Instructor, Indiana University, Introductory Biology lecture (BIOL-L111; Spring 2019)
Associate Instructor, Indiana University, Introductory Biology lab (BIOL-L113; Fall 2014, Fall 2015)
Associate Instructor, Indiana University, Field and Laboratory Ecology (BIOL-L474; Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018)
Teaching Assistant, University of Montana – Missoula, Introductory Soil Science (Forestry 210; Fall 2009)
Additional teaching experience:
Group Leader, Student Diplomacy Corps, (2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014)
Led groups of high school students on cross-cultural summer immersion programs to Botswana, South Africa, Australia, and Mexico.
Field Instructor, Ecology Project International, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador (2013)
Taught 5-10 day intensive field ecology courses to local (in Spanish) and U.S. (in English) high school student groups. Courses combined interactive lessons, field explorations, and field work with National Park Service rangers, culminating in student presentations of hypothesis-driven research projects
Science Teacher, Science from Scientists, Boston, MA (2008 – 2009)
Developed and taught hands-on science modules to public