I’m currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University. As part of a multi-agency collaboration, I investigate recruitment patterns of carp species in the genus Hypophthalmichthys sp. known as bigheaded carps invading the Mississippi River Basin. Currently, I am delving into the temporal dynamics of gene introgression between the two bigheaded carps using reduced-representation DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). data.Silver Carp Bighead Carp

In 2021, I graduated from the interdisciplinary Program in Ecology as part of Dr. Catherine Wagner’s Lab at University of Wyoming, Laramie WY. For my PhD, I studied drivers of cichlid fish diversity in the shallow littoral of Lake Tanganyika, East Africa, combining population genomic technologies, biodiversity surveys, behavioral assays, and natural history observations. Such an integrative approach provided a unique glimpse into both the origination and persistence processes underlying endemic ichthyofaunal diversity accumulation.

I have always loved learning languages, culture, and history, and more recently contributing to iNaturalist. I value most being outside or underwater, as well as quality time with friends and family.