Upon graduating from Juniata (1998) I entered graduate school at the University of Georgia (MS Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development). After an academic year of classes I began my research at SREL with Justin Congdon and Bill Hopkins during the summer of 1999. My research focused on the tolerance of mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) to coal ash, a byproduct of coal combustion that contains elevated levels of potentially toxic, inorganic trace elements. As part of my research I examined the reproductive characteristics (brood size and offspring viability at birth) and standard metabolic rates of mosquitofish found at the ash basin compared to mosquitofish from a reference site.

After graduating with my MS in the fall of 2000 I have continued working with Bill as a research technician on numerous research projects that have focused on how inorganic contaminants affect ectotherms. Our research has included investigations on the effects of elevated dietary levels of selenium (Se) on western fence lizards (Sceloporous occidentalis) and African housesnakes (Lamprohis fuliginosis), the effects of exposure to coal ash on embryonic and larval survivorship in narrowmouth toads (Gastrophryne carolinensis), and the incidence of spinal malformations in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles inhabiting a coal ash contaminated habitat.

In my copious free time outside the world of science I enjoy bicycling, fishing, and hiking. I just recently completed a transcontinental bike trip across the southern United States. I am also interested in educating people about environmental and conservation-related issues.