Collaboration has always been at the heart of my research. I’m most energized working with others to understand how human activities shape the health of ecosystems. I began my career studying marine and estuarine environments, where I learned how easily contaminants move through water and accumulate in unexpected places.

In graduate school, I collaborated with the National Marine Mammal Stranding Network and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Our team analyzed tissues from several dolphin species to detect persistent organic pollutants. Seeing pesticides and flame retardants in open-ocean predators made it clear how deeply human choices ripple through natural systems.

Post-grad, I joined the multi-disciplinary Land Use Coastal-Ecosystem Study (LU-CES). Our lab examined how microorganisms respond to nutrient loading in estuaries bordered by golf courses and residential developments. This work strengthened my interest in the connections between land use, water quality, and ecosystem function.

At Muhlenberg, my research is rooted in the place I live. I collaborate with Dr. Iyengar (Biology) and the City of Allentown to study local stream health. This project brings together students, faculty, and community partners to understand how everyday decisions on our lawns, streets, and parks shape the waterways that flow through our neighborhoods.