ABOUT
Trained in forest ecology and social science, I am interested in understanding complex human-environmental systems. In particular, I study how human systems, like global trade, impact forests and the essential ecosystem services they provide. With experience in both research and conservation practice, I aim to use interdisciplinary methods to connect science with on-the-ground action.
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RESEARCH
AVOCADOS BECOME A GLOBAL COMMODITY
Consequences for Landscapes and People
My PhD research integrates multiple subdisciplines of geography to understand how the boom in international trade of avocados has affected the ecosystems and people of Mexico and Peru.
DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFTS OF A MICROENDEMIC TREE SPECIES
The case of Quercus brandegeei in Baja California Sur, Mexico
A demographic study of this endangered, microendemic oak species was used to understand how population size and genetic diversity have shifted in response to a changing climate.
PERUVIAN FOREST GOVERNANCE
Cross-level Interactions with International Forest Protection
Key stakeholder interviews were used to understand how international efforts to combat deforestation and illegal logging in the Amazon have interacted with local, regional, and national policies in Peru.
EXPERIENCE
TREE CONSERVATION PROJECT COORDINATOR, THE MORTON ARBORETUM
June 2016 – June 2018
Conducted research on endangered Oak species in Mexico and Central America, created species-specific conservation strategies that utilize ecological, economic and social criteria.
Designed protocol for systematic species assessment and conservation strategy development in conjunction with the Global Trees Campaign and the Global Oak Conservation Initiative.
PROGRAM MANAGER, THE GOVERNANCE, ENVIRONMENT AND MARKETS INITIATIVE
January 2015 – May 2016
Managed a portfolio of research projects dealing with community forestry, climate change, indigenous rights, and durable environmental policy.
Created and monitored project budgets, hired research assistants, coordinated researchers, planned and organized events, wrote and edited project reports.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST, TRC ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION
August 2012 – June 2014
Conducted analysis of environmental conditions at project sites and obtained permits for client development projects.
Fieldwork included wetland delineation and ecological surveying.
EDUCATION
August 2018 - present
PHD STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
Department of Geography and the Environment
Dissertation: "Avocados Become a Global Commodity: Consequences for Landscapes and People"
Advisors: Kenneth Young, Eugenio Arima
Focus: Critical resource ecology, political ecology, biogeography
August 2014 - May 2016
MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, YALE UNIVERSITY
Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
Thesis: “Cross-Level Interactions in Peruvian Forest Governance”
Advisor: Ben Cashore
Focus: Environmental governance, Tropical forest ecology, Effects of policy on indigenous peoples
August 2008 - May 2012
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Department of Natural Resources
Magna Cum Laude
Advisor: Richard Stedman
Focus: Human dimensions of natural resources, Conservation ecology
