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 meaningful action.
About Me:
My journey began in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, where I nurtured a deep curiosity about the natural world. This curiosity led me to Regis University in Colorado, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, and evolution. It was there that I discovered the profound importance of healthy soil—the thin, vital layer of Earth that separates life from lifelessness.
Captivated by the magic beneath our feet, I set out to deepen my understanding of the soil system and its connection to the broader world. This journey took me to the University of California, Merced, where I pursued a doctoral degree in soil biogeochemistry. I came to see soil not as mere dirt but as a living, breathing system—a repository of carbon and life capable of storing carbon for millennia. My work focused on the interplay between climate change and the storage and persistence of carbon and nitrogen, from the topsoil to bedrock, in the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory.
Following my Ph.D., I became a lead principal investigator at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where I explored soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics as deep as 16 meters below ground. My work extended to collaborating with the Karuk Tribe, using science to support their efforts to restore cultural burning practices by examining its effects on soil carbon. I also studied the impacts of wildfires on deep soil ecosystems and tested innovative soil amendments, including enhanced rock weathering, to understand their effects on microbiology and organic matter in agricultural systems.
Today, I am embarking on a new chapter at the California Climate Hub, where I focus on the art of communication. My work centers on translating complex climate science into actionable insights for NRCS and extension staff, equipping them with the tools to promote thoughtful land stewardship. My curiosity continues to drive me, as I delve into Sierra Nevada meadow restoration and its potential to enhance soil carbon storage. Through it all, I remain committed to fostering a deeper connection between people and the land, with the hope of creating a more sustainable and resilient future.
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.
