Hi! I am an Extension Associate with Mississippi State University. Originally from central Kentucky, I became passionate about the aquatic world at an early age from spending all of my weekends on Lake Cumberland. Although I value freshwater ecosystems and the creatures they encompass, I have always felt most drawn to the marine environment.
I pursued my undergraduate degree at Eastern Kentucky University, where I earned a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Aquatic Biology, as well as a minor in Chemistry. During my collegiate career, I had the privilege of assisting Dr. Sherry Harrel in her Buck Darter research. I also participated in several unique programs that further shaped my career goals, including summer coursework at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, a summer internship at the Thomas More University Biology Field Station, working for the Center for Mollusk Conservation, and joining Field School for two elasmobranch field skill courses.
Following my undergraduate studies, I pursued an M.S. in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University under the supervision of Dr. Peter Allen. My thesis work involved growth, metabolism, and energy usage of cultured catfish at cool temperatures. I also had the honor of presenting my work at Aquaculture America 2022.
In 2023, I had the privilege of joining Mississippi State University’s Marine Fisheries Ecology Program. Here, I coordinate and manage a pelagic longline project with the goal of restoring the biomass of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico.