Biography

I am an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at UVU and joined January 2026.

Teaching:
I am excited to teach at UVU because I am passionate about creating meaningful and supportive learning experiences for students. I believe students learn best when they feel connected, capable, and able to make meaningful choices in their learning.

I make biology relevant by connecting course material to students’ lives, real-world challenges, and current research. I use hands-on, collaborative, and creative activities that encourage students to think critically and build knowledge through experience. I always do my best to create an inclusive and welcoming classroom where every student’s perspective is valued and everyone feels comfortable participating.

Ultimately, I want students to recognize their own growth, see themselves as scientists, and feel confident that they have something valuable to contribute.

Research:
My research focuses on bird conservation and how environmental conditions and human activities influence bird populations, evolution, and their roles in ecosystems. I combine ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular methods, and social science to examine conservation challenges from multiple perspectives.

Much of my work has taken place in the Galapagos Islands, where I have studied how agriculture affects Darwin’s finches, the benefits and challenges birds create for farmers, and farmers’ views on bird conservation. I plan to continue this work by studying bird movement between farms and natural areas and exploring opportunities for bird-focused ecotourism that benefit local communities.

I also hope to expand my research in Utah by studying species of conservation concern and monitoring bird populations and movement.

Education

Teaching

Presentations

Scholarly/Creative Works