I graduated from the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon with a double major in Environmental Science and Economics. During my undergrad, I got involved with research under the HOPS (Heating on Prairie Systems) project investigating the effect of warming and drought simulations on native prairie forbs and grasses. I then began an REU, which examined how southwestern white pine trees are physiologically responding to white pine blister rust. Soon after, I found my way back to grassland ecology for my honors thesis. In a germination trial with two native Pacific Northwestern grasses, my coauthors and I investigated how microbial growth and concurrently environmental characteristics of the habitats of their origin may influence germination.

My passion for grassland ecology sparked my interest in the Kucharik Lab, where I learned about the Grassland 2.0 project. Seeking to develop agroecological modeling skills and work within an interdisciplinary framework, I found my fit within the MS/PhD track in Environment and Resources at the Nelson Institute. My overarching goal is to do my part to develop understanding for and ultimately conservation of our grasslands, farms, and our planet for the future.