​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 best friend.
To my professors and mentors.

Welcome.
"This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.
                  - John Muir
I am currently a NSF postdoctoral fellow at Iowa State University in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology.  My advisors are Dr. Tracy A. Heath and Dr. Courtney Hofman (University of Oklahoma).

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 Neotropical research. I received my Ph.D in Biology from UCLA in 2017 where I was advised by Dr. Jessica Lynch Alfaro, Dr. David K. Jacobs and Dr. Michael E. Alfaro.
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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.

Meet My Team

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.