Outreach & Engagement

To solve ecological challenges, our science must go beyond knowledge generation to include communication, access, and inclusion. Over the last decade, I've worked to share science beyond academia and broaden participation in STEM. While working at the University of Minnesota and Monarch Joint Venture, I generated open-access research summaries, fact sheets, blog posts, social media content, and gave presentations to a wide range of audiences. I also developed an online course on pollinator ecology, current research, and conservation strategies, and engaged hundreds of individuals in butterfly-focused citizen science projects.

I'm especially passionate about mentoring and creating pathways for students of all backgrounds to participate in scientific research. For the past three years, I've mentored K-12 students through Letters to a Pre-Scientist, a pen-pal program that connects students in low-income communities with STEM professionals. I’ve also led educational activities in low-income schools, participated in multicultural events, and engaged the public through community programs, classes, and workshops. To date, I’ve mentored more than 15 undergraduate and early-career researchers, and I’m currently supporting two CSU undergraduate students as they pursue independent research projects.