Our Education Team

As the Natural Resources Multimedia Design and Outreach Coordinator, I serve as a graphic designer and illustrator for several multimedia projects, including the Living with Wildlife-Illinois project. My primary responsibilities include developing educational materials and outreach communications in various forms, including social media, printed materials, and public forums, to extend awareness of the technical assistance provided by the projects. One focus of my work includes the layout and production of graphics for the OutdoorIllinois Journal. As a fine artist, my artwork is inspired by changing natural landscapes and has been exhibited in numerous galleries throughout the United States.

I am an Assistant Scientist and Research Coordinator at NGRREC. I oversee our remarkable crew of Research Specialists and Field Technicians, coordinate research and facilities safety trainings, and have a research allotment focused on wildlife ecology. My research interests lie in creating interdisciplinary ways to address wildlife management and conservation-related concerns in working landscapes with a number of different taxa, including amphibians, birds, reptiles, and macroinvertebrates. I am also passionate about mentoring students, science communications and the importance of being able to break down one’s research to the public. Prior to my current role, I was a Research Specialist at NGRREC and previously worked as a Mammals Research Assistant at The Field Museum of Chicago. I serve on the Illinois Amphibian/Reptile Endangered Species Technical Advisory Committee (ESTAC), and I am also the Social Media Coordinator for the Illinois Chapter of the Wildlife Society. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog, as well as adding to my ever-growing collection of houseplants and oddities.