I am on a mission to connect people to the land, believing that this connection can lead to the healing and revitalization of our ecosystems. Through research, outreach, and science communication, I aim to share knowledge and inspire better Earth stewardship.
About Me:
My journey began in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, where I developed a deep curiosity about the natural world. That curiosity led me to Regis University in Colorado, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, and evolution and first discovered the profound importance of soil, the thin, vital layer of Earth that separates life from lifelessness.
Fascinated by the living world beneath our feet, I pursued a doctoral degree in soil biogeochemistry at the University of California, Merced. There, I came to see soil as a dynamic and living system, capable of storing carbon for millennia and deeply intertwined with the global climate. My research explored how carbon and nitrogen are stored and transformed from the surface to bedrock in the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory.
Following my Ph.D., I served as a lead principal investigator at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where I examined soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics at depths reaching 16 meters. My collaborations included work with the Karuk Tribe to study the effects of cultural burning on soil carbon, investigations into wildfire impacts on deep soil ecosystems, and testing of soil amendments such as enhanced rock weathering to understand their influence on soil microbiology and organic matter.
I later worked as a Research Ecologist with the USDA Climate Hub network, where I focused on linking climate science, agriculture, and ecosystem resilience. My work centered on helping farmers, ranchers, and technical service providers adapt to climate change by integrating conservation practices that enhance soil health, water efficiency, and food system sustainability. This role deepened my commitment to connecting research with real-world decision-making and supporting communities that depend on healthy land for their livelihoods.
Now, as a Research Scientist at Stanford University, I continue to explore the links between ecosystem processes, soil biogeochemistry, and climate resilience. My work spans topics from disturbance and recovery dynamics to soil carbon persistence and land management strategies that promote ecological health and sustainable food systems. Across all of my research, I am committed to bridging science and practice, helping translate ecological understanding into tools and insights that support thoughtful stewardship of our shared landscapes.
Outreach:
A STEM-C outreach program BiotaQ promotes scientific engagement in Merced county high schools through collaborative mentorship, hands-on demonstration, and skill-based learning.
