I am a Lecturing Fellow in the Nicholas School of the Environment where I direct the Duke University Marine Laboratory Scholars Program and teach undergraduate students. In addition to mentoring undergraduate scholars and graduate students, my research program focuses on 1) using big data to inform policy decisions and 2) outreach programs based in experiential learning to enhance diversity in STEM careers. I am a marine conservationist and my research interests include the protection of highly migratory marine fish species and the reduction of marine plastic pollution. I lead the Duke Plastic Pollution Working Group and a research team focused on solving the plastic pollution problem. I also lead high school outreach programs to increase diversity in STEM fields and provided underrepresented students with tools and experience to be successful. I really enjoy carrying out research with students and mentoring them to prepare them for the next step in their career.
