My educational and research background is in marine ecology, focusing on how humans impact estuarine and coastal environments. I have worked with managers and biologists to understand how the transport and harvesting of animals changed the environment, often in detrimental ways. Some of my research has also looked at conservation and restoration options for healing our wounded oceans. At Muhlenberg, I’ve refocused my interest on understanding human environmental impacts and seeking solutions to restoring ecosystems away from the oceans and into our local parks and green spaces. I lend my scientific mind to various boards and engage my classes and students in real-world problems designed to illustrate how conservation is possible in our local environment. Many of my students’ class projects have been implemented by our community partners, resulting in a greener Lehigh Valley.

Recently, I have expanded my academic interests to include creative writing. I am working on a memoir weaving together the natural history of lesser-know organisms and my personal experiences to dig for insight into the crucial question of “Why are nature and life important?” I am also writing a science fiction novel series.