Connecting People and Nature So Both Can Flourish
As a Senior Lecturer in Ecology & Environmental Education at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, I am passionate about fostering connections between people and nature to ensure both thrive. With over two decades of experience in ecology, environmental education, and natural history, my work bridges rigorous scientific inquiry with impactful teaching and outreach.
I specialize in herpetology, forest ecology, dendrology, wildlife conservation, and environmental education, equipping students and communities with the knowledge and skills to engage meaningfully with the natural world. My research is conducted in service to student learning and emphasizes applied conservation ecology, particularly herpetofauna and wildlife surveys, while my teaching incorporates hands-on, field-based learning experiences.
Beyond the classroom, I served as the Director of Research Translation for the Duke Superfund Center, led the Nicholas School’s Durham K-12 Engagement initiatives, and have held multiple leadership roles in environmental education and communication. My book, Saving Snakes: Snakes and the Evolution of a Field Naturalist, reflects my deep commitment to conservation and science communication. Looking for discussion questions or a video introduction to the book? Visit Duke Summer Reads 2023.
Wildlife Conservation & Surveys Background
With 20+ years of experience in wildlife survey methodologies, I bring particular expertise in herpetology, with a focus on long-term monitoring, habitat associations, and conservation education. My research has included multiscale analyses of habitat use by snakes, long-term monitoring of salamander and broader herpetofaunal populations in the Duke Forest, and habitat management presentations focused on red-backed and spotted salamanders. I have guided long-term acoustic monitoring projects focused on anurans, co-advised student research on Necturus, and served as primary advisor for a variety of herpetology-centered master’s projects. As the Duke Forest Community Science Advisor, I have led a public-facing herpetofaunal monitoring initiative, and I have led annual community events—such as Creek Week—that connect local residents to amphibian and reptile conservation. I have presented nationally on snake and herpetofauna conservation and outreach. My book Saving Snakes: Snakes and the Evolution of a Field Naturalist reflects my ongoing commitment to reptile conservation, public engagement, and the cultivation of field-based natural history skills.
In addition to amphibians and reptiles, my fieldwork spans mammals and birds across North and Central America and sub-Saharan Africa. I use an array of methods—including acoustic monitoring, camera trapping, pitfall traps, and drift fences—to study species distributions and ecological responses to environmental change. International collaborations include research on defaunation in Gabon’s Ivindo National Park and community-based forest management in Oaxaca, Mexico. These investigations have shaped my teaching, enabling students to gain both technical proficiency and insight into the conservation applications of ecological research.
Forest Ecology & Forestry Background
My expertise in forest ecology is built on a foundation of extensive fieldwork across diverse ecosystems. Beginning with national competitions in arboriculture and urban forestry in the 1990s, I have since conducted forest assessments and research in temperate, tropical, and fire-adapted landscapes worldwide, from the Duke Forest to the transitional forests of Canada, the tropical forests of Gabon, and the fire-prone woodlands of Montana.
I integrate sustainability into forest measurements education, having served as a Duke Trillium Fellow and trained in forest pedagogy at the Biltmore Estate. Recognized for teaching excellence, I received the Duke Forest Clarence F. Korstian Award and the 2024 Lynn Maguire Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring of Professional Students. My courses, such as ENV 701: Forest Measurements, ensure students gain both theoretical understanding and practical skills applicable to forest ecosystem management.
Dendrology Background
A lifelong passion for trees and woody plants has shaped my work in dendrology. From my early training on a state championship-winning horticulture team to an internship at the Chicago Botanic Garden, I have studied tree identification across ecosystems, including the hardwood forests of the eastern U.S. and the coniferous landscapes of the West. My Master Naturalist certification from the Montana Museum of Natural History further deepens my expertise.
As an educator, I emphasize active learning, having developed research-based dendrology activities as a Duke Active Learning Fellow. My contributions to public education include designing interpretive signage for local conservation organizations, helping to foster a broader appreciation of trees and their ecological roles.
Environmental Education & Interpretation Background
As an award-winning environmental educator, I am committed to making environmental science accessible and inclusive. My experience spans roles as Director of the Environmental Science Summer Program at Duke, founding Director of the NSOE Communications Studio, and faculty advisor for diversity and equity initiatives. I have developed curriculum frameworks such as How to Create a Culturally Inclusive Syllabus & Course and received the North Carolina Environmental Educator of the Year award.
My training in environmental education includes certifications as a Master Naturalist, Certified Interpretive Trainer, and North Carolina Environmental Educator. I am actively engaged with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), a professional organization dedicated to inspiring leadership and excellence in the field of interpretation. I have published in Legacy, NAI’s flagship magazine, which highlights best practices and innovations in environmental and cultural interpretation.
Beyond publications, I have applied my expertise in interpretation to real-world projects, developing interpretive signage for Duke Forest and local community organizations. These signs serve as an educational bridge, connecting visitors to the ecological significance of their surroundings and enhancing public engagement with conservation efforts. Through community engagement, I have led nature walks, developed K-12 programs, and collaborated on outreach projects that connect people of all ages with nature.
Academic Training & Research
I hold a Ph.D. in Ecology from Duke University, where my research focused on landscape-scale snake species distributions. I completed a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Illinois. My academic journey has been enriched by fellowships from the National Science Foundation and NASA-MSU, as well as training in science communication, inclusive teaching, and cultural intelligence.
My research and outreach work have been widely recognized, and I have secured multiple grants to support conservation, environmental education, and diversity initiatives. As an author, scientist, and educator, my goal remains steadfast: to inspire others to build meaningful connections with the natural world and empower them to contribute to a sustainable future.
For collaborations, inquiries, or resources related to my work, feel free to reach out. Let’s work together to connect people and nature—so both can flourish.
