​This site is dedicated to all aspiring explorers, biologists and naturalists.
It is for anyone curious about nature and the outdoors.
For those who have ever marveled at the incredible diversity of the world.
From the crowded landscapes of tropical forests to the eerie serenity of deserts.
Whether you are well traveled or have gone only as far as the Discovery Channel. 

To my siblings and parents.
To my professors and mentors.
​To my collaborators and friends.

Welcome.

I will be starting as an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas, Arlington spring 2022. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher and lab manager at the Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science.  While my interest in tetrapods is broad, I mostly work with the Mammalogy and Ornithology collections. 

I received my B.S in Zoology from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2011 where I was advised by Karen Sime, Amy Welsh and Eric Hellquist in my independent research.  I owe many thanks to Cleane Medeiros and Tracy Lewis for my interest and start in Central and South American tropical biology research. I received my Ph.D in Biology from UCLA in 2017 where I was advised by Jessica Lynch Alfaro, David K. Jacobs and Michael E. Alfaro. I finished my first postdoc with Tracy Heath at Iowa State University and Courtney Hofman at Oklahoma State University.
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See my research page and my blog for more information about my past and present research.

I have always had an avid curiosity about animals.  But until I went off to college, the only nature I saw was my backyard, National Geographic magazine and the Discovery Channel.  There were few opportunities I was aware of to get out and learn about nature hands-on.  I hope that this site will serve as a resource to people of all ages and kinds who want to start exploring.

Lab Mascots

Zeus "Le Spaz"

The Dog

Zeus is the best. He is crazy energetic, super sweet and craves attention. And strong for his size. He loves everybody: humans, dogs, cats. He was a Christmas gift from my mom back in 2014 and he's been my ride or die buddy ever since.

Mia Feral

The Cat

Ok...Mia is also the best. I have the best pets. She is an extreme cuddler and purrs like there is no tomorrow. She also loves eating, just like me! As the photo suggests, she is a complete diva. While on my Fulbright (2015) in Brazil, my roommate found her, but I fell in love and decided to bring her home.