I am a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Sacramento State University. My work bridges biology education research and quantitative ecology, with a focus on improving student engagement, identity, and belonging in STEM, particularly for students from underrepresented groups.
As biology, especially ecology, continues to expand into quantitative fields, exciting opportunities arise for students to build valuable skills in data analysis, modeling, and computational reasoning. I am dedicated to developing and evaluating inclusive, evidence-based teaching practices that empower students to confidently engage with these skills and excel in ecology. My teaching emphasizes active learning, authentic research experiences, and quantitative reasoning, aiming to make complex topics accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all students.
I also investigate how participation in authentic research experiences, such as Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) and contributions to large online research databases, influences students’ sense of belonging and identity in STEM. This work includes efforts to strengthen connections between students at local community colleges and universities, promoting cultural relevance and inclusion in ecology education.
My disciplinary research investigates how climate change and other global stressors shape the distribution and abundance of plant populations and communities. I use quantitative, data-driven models to uncover the underlying mechanisms of these processes, drawing on my background in theoretical population biology and spatial ecology.
Explore my site to learn more about my teaching, research, and ongoing projects.