Growing up in Colorado I spent a lot of time backpacking and fishing; likely why I love nature. In contrast to many, I also demonstrated a nearly uncontrollable desire to know how everything works. As a toddler I took apart remote controls and other devices. My parents nurtured my intellectual curiosity by giving me chemistry sets, electronics sets, a microscope, and eventually letting my 9 year old self build a lawn mower engine powered go kart by myself. Eventually I discovered that math and physics not only explain dynamical and mechanistic processes but are also capable of predicting future events! My research is a perfect answer to passions that began as a child; my need for discovery, and the beauty of math and physics.
I never envisioned that I would follow in the foot steps of my Mom and Sister to teach; I discovered teaching to be as rewardful as research during University. Although my Brother is working to become a teacher, so nature and nurture may have predestined my teaching passion.
I've lived in Australia the past seven years after finishing my PhD, partly to experience the world and partly because the ecology is unique, but primarily to work with internationally renowned scientists. I now have the research and teaching experience, expertise, and track record to become an assistant professor in the US. I am currently applying to positions in departments with complementary expertise; ensuring the position benefits myself and the department.
