About Me

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

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 teach future wildlife biologists, advise the Murray State Chapter of The Wildlife Society, and serve as coordinator of the Wildlife and Conservation Biology program. I also mentor undergraduate and graduate students conducting research on how wildlife respond to management and anthropogenic stressors, and how biodiversity influences human health. This work is increasingly urgent in an era of accelerating global biodiversity loss.

I maintain a small amphibian and reptile collection at Murray State, providing student interns pursuing careers in zoological conservation and education with hands-on experience in animal husbandry and outreach.

Outside of work, I enjoy living in Murray, KY with my husband, daughter, son, 2 dogs, cat, and 8 chickens. My hobbies include hunting, hiking, running, swimming, and anything else that gets me outdoors.