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About me as a researcherI am a Visiting Assistant Professor at the College of St. Benedicts and St. John's University in central Minnesota. I also work as a research assistant for Dr. Michael Collyer at Chatham University on expanding the functionality and accessibility of the R program, geomorph. We are also exploring novel ways of integrating modeled performance measures across theoretical morphospace with macroevolutionary examinations of high-dimensional morphological traits. My empirical research investigates the macroevolutionary patterns of beetle elytra in relation to the multiple conflicting functional needs of said trait.
I earned my PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Iowa State University with a minor in Statistics in 2020 under Dr. Dean Adams. My dissertation explored the macroevolutionary patterns of lungless salamanders through their multiple invasions of arboreal microhabitats. This included examining the evolution of complex morphological traits and broad scale climatic niches across the family Plethodontidae. |
About me as a teacherI have taught the following courses:
Anatomy and Physiology (325) - Instructor Anatomy and Physiology Lab (325L) - Instructor Intermediate Cell Biology and Genetics (201) - Instructor Intermediate Cell Biology and Genetics Lab (201L) - Instructor Applied Human Biology (135) - Instructor Elementary Statistics (110) - Instructor The Organism (144) - Instructor Introductory Biology (101) - Instructor Yellowstone National Park Field Trip - Co-Instructor Discussions in Ecology and Evolution Research - Co-Instructor Vertebrate Biology Lab (365L) - TA Principles of Biology Lab (212L) - TA I have also designed and experimentally tested the efficacy of two novel teaching approaches in the Vertebrate Biology Labs. One such approach was qualitatively analyzed across several lab sections and instructors, and the compelling results of efficacy were published in the Journal of Biological Education. |
Andrew Kaul, a fellow graduate student at ISU, introducing my Bio 101 students to some native prairie plants in Iowa.
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Me and several of my teammates playing in the semi-finals at Nationals (2013)
Lily lounging
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About me outside of workMy husband and I live in Big Lake, MN with our daughter (Quinn) and dog (Lily)!
If I'm not at work or with my family, I'm probably training for, traveling for, coaching, or playing Ultimate Frisbee. Since my brother introduced me to the sport in 2004, I've played on teams all across the country (and 1 Colombian team!), I've won 4 US gold medals, 2 World bronze medals, and 3 World gold medals. I have also coached at the collegiate level for Iowa State University and University of Pittsburgh women's teams. Other activities I enjoy include gardening, cross-country skiing, disc golfing, wood working, and sewing. |
