Through biodiversity and evolution studies, my goal as a biologist is to understand patterns of life forms, aid the conservation of rare species, aid the control of ecologically and economically impactful pests, and raise public awareness of these issues. My current dissertation delves into how bark beetles specialize on plants, which involves looking into the genomics of these insects to assess genes associated with finding plants.
During a long-term study in Hawaii, I explored the seasonal population fluctuations of bark beetles. While there I also analyzed host selection of fig-pollinating wasps. While working at the Royal Alberta Museum in Canada, I identified multitudes of mites in a broad-scale long-term project to assess environmental stability. Both in Alberta and in Hawaii, I discovered and described species that were new to science. To increase public awareness about various ecological issues I saw, I published articles in Natural History, American Forests, and Earth Island Journal among others.
Experience
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2017–2022PhD Candidate, University of Hawaii–Manoa
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2015–2017Entomology Research Support, University of Hawaii–Manoa
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2014–2015Mite Taxonomy Technician, Royal Alberta Museum
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2013–2013Biological Field Technician, University of Alberta
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2011–2011Research Assistant, Alberta Pulse Growers Commission
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2009–2009Stream Research Technician, Lakehead University
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2008–2008Terrestrial Field Technician, Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute
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2007–2007Conservation Field and Data Technician, Big Island Invasive Species Committee
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2004–2006Research Assistant, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii
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2003–2004Research Assistant, USDA, Agricultural Research Service
- Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
- Article Feed
- ORCID
- Joined
