I joined the Connolly Lab in September 2024 to study coral coexistence.  Generally, I am interested in using integrative approaches to answer long-standing questions in population & community ecology. These include: How do species actually coexist? Why are most species rare? How common are complex population dynamics? As a modeler/quantitative ecologist, I have had the great privilege of working on a number of fascinating systems, including phytoplankton, flour beetles, annual plants, and coral reefs.

My recent postdoctoral work in the Mark Lewis Research Group focused on the mountain pine beetle, western North America’s most significant forest pest. This research described dispersal patterns, tested hypotheses for a decelerating range expansion, explained the life-history causes of explosive population dynamics, and assessed the effectiveness of Alberta’s control program. I completed my PhD at UC Davis with the mentorship of Alan Hastings, developing a framework to evaluate explanations for species coexistence. Previously, I earned a Bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College.

In my free time, I enjoy running and cooking pizza.