I grew up in Wisconsin, and began my scientific career studying freshwater zooplankton and phytoplankton with Dr. Bart De Stasio at Lawrence University. While I was working on my undergraduate degree, I spent a term studying oceanography aboard a sailing school vessel operated by the Sea Education Association (SEA). I then began working on seabird ecology with Dr. Julia Parrish at the University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. The major goal of my master's research in Washington State was to understand shifting patterns in the diets of several seabird species. I then spent 2 years working as an Assistant Scientist with SEA, before starting my Ph.D. research on Antarctic breeding bird communities at the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University, which I completed in May of 2020.

When not working, I enjoy hiking, boating, and exploring the natural history of wherever I happen to be, especially the bird life. I also enjoy playing music and singing.