In addition to being a co-editor of Wild Work, I am a freshwater ecologist, astacologist (study of crayfish), and outdoor enthusiast. I have researched freshwater organisms across the USA, studying trout and amphibians in Idaho and Montana and now diverse fish and crayfish in the southern US. An internationally recognized scientist, I am a past president of the International Association of Astacology. I have authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications and several magazine articles. I am a University of Montana distinguished alumni and recipient of national and international science awards.

Having been enamored with biology since age five, I am now a senior research scientist with the US Forest Service. I earned a PhD in biology and ecology (University of Montana), an MS in fisheries (University of Idaho), and a BA in biology (Carleton College). I never imagined that earning a PhD would lead to me lying on Mississippi roadsides, shoulder deep in mud, extracting crawfish from burrows!

Whether working as a helitack firefighter and ski instructor, solo backpacking for three months in New Zealand and Tasmania, or conducting citizen science on poison dart frogs in Costa Rica, I have lived an adventurous life. And I enjoy helping other women find confidence in the outdoors.