Areas of Interest
- Volcanology
- Geochemistry
- Igneous Petrology
- Field Geology
- Inclusive Pedagogy
Education
- Ph.D., Geology, Oregon State University (2024)
- M.S., Geological Sciences, Central Washington University (2019)
- B.S., Geology, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh (2016)
Courses Taught
- Physical Geology (GEOL 1010)
- Historical Geology (GEOL 1020)
Honors and Awards
- 2024: OSU Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring
- 2024: OSU Graduate Student Teaching Award
- 2024: Cindy Rose All Igneous Graduate Education Scholarship
- 2023: Geology Fellowship for the PNW
- 2022: USGS-NSF INTERN Fellowship at USGS Menlo Park
- 2021: George and Danielle Sharp Fellowship
- 2021: Oregon Lottery Graduate Scholarship awarded for meritorious record of accomplishment, nominated by the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Geology program
- 2020: Jean Bowman Clark Graduate Education Scholarship in recognition of outstanding performance, success, and dedication, nominated by the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Geology Program
- 2016: Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh for poster presentation at Celebration of Scholarship
- 2016: GeoCUR Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award from the Geosciences Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research
Volunteer and Service
- 2023: Speaker at Washington Middle School on being a geologist and a first-generation college student
- 2023: Wilderness First Aid Certification
- 2022-Present: Association for Women Geosciences Member
- 2022: CEOAS Community of Practice Member
- 2022: Onsite Coordinator for Inspiring Girls* Expeditions- Mount Baker
- 2022: DEI Graduate Student Committee
- 2015-Present: Geological Society of America Member
- 2021: Magma Chamber Simulator Workshop Instructor
- 2021: Geological Society of America Field Trip Speaker on the Tumalo Volcanic Center
- 2019: American Geophysical Union Member
- 2018: GeoGirls Mentor
Curriculum Vitae
Faculty Q/A
What do you value and care about outside of your professional duties?
Outside of my professional duties, I value spending time in nature- hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, and biking. I also enjoy creative pursuits such as drawing and playing music, which help me stay balanced and inspired. Community involvement is important to me as well, and I seek opportunities to volunteer and support local initiatives that promote inclusivity in STEM.
What encouraged you to go into (and stay in) higher education?
As a first-generation college student, I initially knew very little about graduate school or the path to an academic career. However, I was fortunate to have an exceptional mentor (Dr. Jennifer Wenner at UW-Oshkosh) during my undergraduate studies who guided me through the application process and encouraged me to pursue both a master’s and a doctorate. Her support and belief in my potential inspired me to pursue higher education and become a mentor myself, helping students navigate opportunities they may not have known were possible. I owe much of my success and my commitment to education to her example.
What are your own professional goals and aspirations?
My professional goals focus on expanding and enhancing the Geology program at UCCS by developing courses that prepare students for successful careers and advanced educational opportunities. I aim to maximize hands-on, field-based learning experiences that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. In the long term, I aspire to establish a volcanology research program that provides students with valuable research experience and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, I am committed to supporting initiatives that encourage K–12 girls and gender-expansive youth to explore the outdoors and pursue careers in science, fostering diversity and inclusion in the geosciences.
What is your favorite place?
Anywhere there’s a volcano- but my favorite volcanoes will always be the Three Sisters Volcanoes in central Oregon. I have a deep connection to that area, built over years of fieldwork, camping, hiking, and skiing there with colleagues, friends, and family.