Interests:
My professional interest is in relaying technical scientific information in a manner that enables all audiences to gain understanding in science that supports natural resource decisions. I am a Physical Scientist and Outreach Coordinator for the USGS-Ecosystems Mission Area where I develop outreach strategies to increase the effectiveness of the Mission Area and its programs' activities and products. I also serve the Mission Area as a Tribal Relations Advisor within the USGS Office of Tribal Relations.
Previously I was with the USGS-Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (2008 - 2018) where my primary duties included outreach and communication of Center science activities, website management and development, technical editing, field work related to soil and water resource sciences and served as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Center.
I began my career serving three seasons with the National Park Service as an interpretive ranger in Grand Teton National Park, followed by two years as a chemist with the Montana Department of Agriculture and seven years with Montana State University as a research associate. While at Montana State I implemented on-the-ground water quality monitoring projects including the study of saline-sodic water management, agricultural pharmaceutical residue in surface water, and stream and spring water quality monitoring. I also designed natural resource science education materials for diverse audiences such as educators, tribal entities, and agricultural communities. I continue to work with the university delivering online water quality and soil science graduate courses for teachers and professional practitioners through the MSU Masters of Science in Science Education program.