About Me

A brief history
I am originally from a small, rural town in northwestern Alabama called Red Bay. I grew up on a small farm where we raised chickens, rabbits, horses, cows, and a garden. My love for nature and science is deeply rooted in my upbringing. I completed my PhD at the University of Canberra's Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics in 2024 working on the influence of sex reversal on fitness corelates in the central bearded dragon. I received my Master’s of Science in biological sciences from Auburn University in 2016 under Dr. Dan Warner studying the effects of incubation temerature on brown anole lizards. I received my Bachelor of Science in biology and Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2013. Before starting my MSc, I worked as a lab technician for Dr. Tonia Schwartz studying the effects of caloric restriction on the freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex during her post-doc at UAB's NORC. After finishing my MSc, I worked as lab manager for Dr. David Steen studying the efficacy of snake repellents and the invasive potential of the Black and White Argentine Tegu. 

Currently
​I am working as the Senior Operations and Research Advisor for UC's Faculty of Education. I manage the pre- and post-award workflows for our Faculty's research academics and provide support for our HDR students. Additionally, I am working as a casual academic in the Faculty of Science and Technology teaching into the professional practice suite, introductory biology, and conservation ecology units. 

I am open to new opportunities in research support and teaching research positions in Australia. 

Outside of research
​My love for nature and biology spans into my personal life. I enjoy hiking, birding, herping, and generally looking for any type of plants or animals. I'm a huge fan of TV, podcasts, and reading/audiobooks. I love to cook and have found a love for fermenting things (sourdough, kombucha). I am also an LGBTQ and mental health advocate. 

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