How did you become interested in conservation, management, and global forest restoration, and/or why did you go into teaching it?
I spent my childhood in Galveston, Texas. There was an educational tourist destination there called Moody Gardens, which consisted of three large pyramids. One was an aquarium, one held science exhibits and activities, and one was a huge greenhouse with a tropical rainforest inside. I was fascinated by the rainforest pyramid as a kid – seeing the poison dart frogs, barracudas, free-roaming iguanas – and went to many events there during my time in Galveston. I was definitely one of those 90s kids that went to a “save the rainforest” science camp.

Fast forward 30 or so years, and my interests in the diversity of global forest ecosystems that our amazing planet hosts has only grown with time. I have had the immense privilege of living in ten different states across the U.S. and traveling to twenty different countries (including living in Thailand for three years). As I’ve explored the forested landscapes in these places, I have retained my initial interest in tropical forests but have found myself increasingly fascinated by the diversity and complexity of global forest ecosystems. I see teaching and research in conservation, management, and restoration of these forests as indulging in the things that excite me – but also as a way of helping these ecosystems and the communities that steward them.

Walk us through one research project you’re proud of, or that you feel had a significant impact.
As I build my research group here at Oregon State University, I frequently think back to my own master’s research project, in which I designed and implemented carbon stock inventories in three mangrove forests in Thailand and four mangrove forests in Vietnam – all in one summer! I remember being very nervous about flying from Connecticut to Thailand to collect all this data and ultimately write not only my thesis – but also a report for a joint United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and United States Agency for International Development program, which was partially funding the work.

Fortunately, I had wonderful mentors and individuals who believed in me, including individuals at the Forest Service that let me cold call them and ask them questions on a very specific set of sampling protocols for several hours. I also had incredible field teams. For example, I had picked up a fair bit of Thai while living in Thailand for three years, but my Thai field crews spoke a different dialect (and not a lick of English) and were patient enough with me that we successfully collected a wonderful dataset that I have used in multiple research projects now. As I meet with prospective students and discuss future projects, I think back on how exciting, fun, nerve-wracking, challenging and rewarding the entire experience was. I am thrilled to now be in a position where I can help others create their own experiences and adventures.

What advice do you have for current forestry students?
Indulge in your interests while in school but also be strategic in setting yourself up well for the future job or career that you want. Formally investing in your education is a wonderful and special thing. Be resourceful and use the flexibility and network of Oregon State University to connect with individuals and organizations whose work excites you. Finally, be kind to your peers and those around you. The natural resources sector is surprisingly small, and they will be your future colleagues!

What do you like to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do is spend time outside with my partner and our two dogs. I often will go for trail runs with our dogs in the McDonald-Dunn Forest after work, and on weekends we enjoy getting out to the coast or the Cascades. I also really enjoy cooking and exploring the bountiful food options that Oregon has to offer.

What’s your favorite book/movie genre or your all-time favorite title?
It’s a predictably nerdy answer, but I am trying to read as many of the Pulitzer Prize winners for general nonfiction as I can. They are all wonderfully written, on very diverse topics and are guaranteed to teach you something.