Originally from Minnesota, I spent my early years diving in local lakes and quarries, which sparked my passion for the underwater world and for science. I went on to earn a degree in Biology and Political Science from Lawrence University, where I helped work on a research project investigating how the protein MAPK-15 functions in the tiny sensory structures (cilia) of Caenorhabditis elegans. Our team discovered that MAPK-15 is essential for positioning another key protein, PKD-2, which supports proper sensory function and mating behavior in male worms. This research introduced me to a range of molecular and synthetic biology techniques.

 

After completing my undergraduate studies, I joined Dr. Doug Rasher’s Lab at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences as a somewhat permanent intern. There, I combined scientific diving with kelp forest ecology, conducting field surveys, monitoring urchin settlement, and using my molecular background to create qPCR assays for detecting species through environmental DNA.

 

Building on this blend of molecular expertise and field ecology, I began my PhD in 2020 through the NSF EPSCoR Maine eDNA project at the University of Maine, in collaboration with Bigelow Laboratory. My doctoral research explored the causes and consequences of kelp forest phase shifts in the Gulf of Maine. This interdisciplinary training has helped me become a well-rounded scientist, capable of tackling complex ecological questions from multiple angles. 

 

​​​I am currently the Essex Avenue Post-Doctoral Scholar at the University of Maine, where I lead a multi-institutional project focused on understanding—and overcoming—the barriers preventing kelp forest recovery in the Gulf of Maine. My work brings together three interconnected goals: uncovering the allelopathic chemicals turf algae use to suppress early kelp life stages; identifying kelp genotypes that can withstand both these chemical stressors and increasing ocean temperatures; and translating these insights into practical, scalable restoration strategies.