I am a research scientist with a passion for science and communication. After taking my first Geology course at Mount Holyoke College, I was hooked. I hold degrees in Geology from Mount Holyoke College (B.A.), Northern Arizona University (M.Sc) and Victoria University of Wellington (Ph.D.). I did my post-doctoral work at the University of Buffalo.

My pursuit of science has led me to all seven continents. I have participated in and shared research from Alaska and Antarctica to the mountains of Vietnam and New Zealand. I've spent nine glorious summers in Yosemite National Park as a hydrologic technician and worked as a Physical Scientist at the United States Geological Survey. I had the unique opportunity to work in Antarctica as a scientist and outreach lead for the West Antarctica Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide ice core drilling project and for Taylor Glacier ice core drilling efforts. Throughout my scientific pursuits, I have prioritized sharing my science through teaching and public engagement. To learn more about my research, teaching and science communication research, please explore this site or contact me. 

Current positions:
  • Assistant Professor of Climate Science and Extension Specialist, University of Minnesota 
  • Affiliate Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington
  • Adjunct Research Scientist, Science in Society, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand​

Research
​Science

My current research focuses developing communications tools & methods for connecting climate science to decision-making. 

Teaching &
​Mentoring

Teaching is hard but rewarding work. See my teaching philosophy & experience here:

Public Engagement 

Public engagement with science is valuable to scientists & the public. See some projects here:

 Beyond the Lab Coat

Ever wonder what a scientist really looks like? See a scientist in action:
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My current 'launch pad':