Degrees

Ph.D., Biology, University of Arkansas (2013)

M.A.T., Education, Simmons College (2004)

M.S., Natural Resources (Wildlife Ecology), Washington State University (2001)

B.A., Environmental Studies and Psychology, Eckerd College (1999)

Research Interests

I couple fundamental questions in ecology with questions that address conservation and management of wildlife populations. Central to my research is determining how dispersal, movement and abundance of these populations are governed by human action and landscape modification. I use non-invasive sampling to gather genetic information which I then combine with spatially explicit capture data to generate robust estimates of density. Further, I use genetic information to investigate movements, dispersal, and structuring of organisms across the landscape. I incorporate new advances in simulation modelling to further elucidate demographic and movement patterns observed in the wild. Overall, I endeavor to provide data that is useful for managers and that may contribute to resolving conflicts between human interests and the needs of wildlife. In order to create successful conservation and management plans, we need knowledge of both the biology of the species of interest and the human community in which that species lives. As such, my approach is interdisciplinary and I cultivate collaborative projects involving colleagues at other universities and mangers at state and federal agencies and non-profits to address conservation and management needs.