About Me

Growing up I always new my interests centered on animals. It didn't matter which animal or what I was learning about, I took it in with great enthusiasm. Within Oklahoma I have explored much of the great diversity of animal communities and habitat types available here. In my free time I love to go hiking and exploring wherever I may be. Nature photography is another interest of mine.

I obtained an Associate in Science in Biology in 2012 from Tulsa Community College. After that I transferred to Oklahoma State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 2014. During this time I conducted undergraduate research under the direction of Dr. Karen McBee. I gained valuable experience in capture and handling of bats as well as many other field techniques. This experience piqued my interest in working with bats as a study species in graduate school.

I am currently a Ph.D. student at Oklahoma State University working with my advisor Dr. Karen McBee on effects to bat behavior and vision within Tar Creek Superfund Site in northeast Oklahoma. I also work as the Collection Manager of birds and mammals in OSU's Collection of Vertebrates. Among the many curatorial duties I also lead tours of the collection and meet many interesting people. One of the most fulfilling parts of my job as Collection Manager is being able to teach people about the value of museum collections and the many animal specimens contained within.