"There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot." - Aldo Leopold

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I am an associate professor at Murray State University and a Certified Wildlife Biologist through The Wildlife Society. Like Leopold, I cannot live without wild things.

 

In my position at Murray State, I am fortunate to teach our future wildlife biologists, advise the Murray State Chapter of The Wildlife Society, and to be the program coordinator of the Wildlife and Conservation Biology program. Additionally, I mentor undergraduate and graduate students as they complete research related to how management and anthropogenic stressors influence wildlife. I aim for the research completed in my lab to help inform wildlife conservation and management, which is increasingly important with accelerated human-caused global biodiversity loss. I also maintain a small amphibian and reptile collection at Murray State, which allows me to provide student interns who aim to pursue careers in zoological conservation and/or conservation education with opportunities to obtain experience in animal husbandry and outreach.

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Outside of my teaching and research, I enjoy living in Murray, KY with my husband, also a wildlife biologist, daughter and son, 2 dogs, cat, and 8 chickens. I try to keep up with other hobbies when I can which include hunting, hiking, running, swimming, and generally doing anything that gets me outdoors.