Hello! Originally from Seattle, WA, I lived and worked on the Gulf Coast for six years and thoroughly enjoyed working in the biodiverse waters of the Gulf of Mexico. I grew up exploring the tide pools of the West Coast and being fascinated by the mysteries of the marine world. I’ve been lucky enough to expand on my passion with my education: I completed my BS in Biological Sciences at the University of California, Davis, and my MS in Marine Sciences through the University of South Alabama.
My master’s research examined the trophic relationships between predatory species across the northcentral Gulf of Mexico using stable isotope analysis, a minimally invasive, non-lethal technique that provides clues to the dietary habits of organisms. My project involved extracting blood from various sharks, rays, and bony fish species to interpret their trophic structure.
I was an Extension Program Associate in the Marine Fisheries Ecology Lab with MSU. My primary responsibilities included running our bottom longline surveys in Alabama and Mississippi waters, and managing the data collection and analysis from these surveys. I also participated in outreach and education opportunities connecting with local communities. I enjoyed seeing the direct impact that our research has on folks here on the Gulf Coast. Protecting and preserving our environment is a strong passion of mine, and I believe that the work of the MFE lab can help our local fisheries, so that we can all continue to enjoy the natural beauty around us for many more generations to come.