Curriculum Vitae

University of Louisville

PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavioral Biology in progress

Focus: Plant Community Ecology

Western Kentucky University

Master of Science in Biology

Focus: Plant Ecology - Invasive plant ecology, Native plant restoration; Science Education and Outreach

GPA: 4.0

Bellarmine University

Master of Arts in Teaching

Concentration: Science Education

Certification: Kentucky Teacher Certification in Science and Social Studies

University of Louisville

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Focus: Environmental Policy

Resource Environmental Solutions                                  

Louisville, Kentucky  February 2024 - Present

Ecologist II

As an Ecologist with RES, I conduct flora identification and surveys, invasive species identification, assessment, and mapping, vegetation sampling and monitoring, threatened/endangered plant species surveys, and threatened/endangered species habitat surveys for a variety of wetland and stream restoration projects. I also have experience developing planting lists for wetlands, pollinator habitats, and landscape design projects. Experience writing habitat assessment reports, permits, and grant applications. 

Louisville Water Company                                      

Louisville, Kentucky  2023

Scientist, Water Quality & Compliance, Source Water Protection

As a Scientist at Louisville Water Company, I work with a team to conduct water quality testing to ensure safe, clean drinking water for over a million people. I conduct a variety of tests on all stages of water from raw river water to finished drinking water for chemical pollutants, and biological contamination to ensure that Louisville Pure Tap™ water meets state, federal, and company standards and is in compliance with EPA regulations. My responsibilities in the Organic Chemistry lab include environmental monitoring for source water protection and ensuring EPA regulatory compliance, along with running a variety of tests for VOCs, pollutants, and indicators of bacterial contamination or harmful algal blooms in the Ohio River. 

• Perform on-site and field sampling of drinking water and environmental monitoring of source water 

• Perform chemical, microbiological, and ecological analyses associated with drinking water compliance, treatment process control, customer requests, research and technology projects, and environmental studies 

• Manage water quality data from various database systems including LIMS, WIMS, SCADA, and GIS 

• Analyze, review, and validate process and compliance data and related QA/QC results. 

• Apply statistical analysis to ensure results meet safety standards, recognize trends, detect potential contamination, and make corrective actions as appropriate. 

• Update and maintain sampling and analytical methods, SOPs, forms, and work instructions 

• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment, meters, sensors, and other instrumentation 

• Serve as a technical resource for treatment response during abnormal or emergency conditions. During the recent East Palestine train wreck and subsequent spill into the Ohio River, I conducted additional testing on river samples and analyzed data for indications of dangerous chemical pollution. 

• Conduct environmental monitoring and ecological studies of water quality including analyses for indications of pollution or plant, algal, and microbial contamination

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and personnel at all levels of the organization to address water quality challenges and strengthen water programs

Star Solar Specialists                                                             

Jeffersonville, Indiana  2016 - 2023

Consultant

As a Consultant for Star Solar Specialists, a residential and commercial solar power installation company, I provide technical, policy, and scientific oversight utilizing my knowledge of current renewable energy policy, state and federal environmental regulations, and sustainable design concepts. In addition, I oversee marketing and communications, designed and manage the company website, developed and maintain a data management system, and write case studies to improve the efficiency of solar power installations. 

• Consult on state and federal environmental policy, EPA regulations, and available tax credits and rebates for renewable energy 

• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting for electronic equipment including company computers, camera gear, drones, and other electronic devices 

• Maintain technology, software programs, and applications 

• Train employees to use software including Google Earth, Project Sunroof, and computer-aided design (CAD) to complete residential and commercial solar power project estimates and preliminary designs 

• Developed and maintain a database for customer information and job site data including property specifications, energy usage, energy savings, and average energy costs 

• Analyze data to create case studies for residential and commercial solar power installations to ensure operational efficiency and to detect areas for improvement 

• Design and manage company website, photography, videography, content creation, outreach, and science communication

• Oversee marketing and communications budget for social media, digital, and print advertising

Jefferson County Public Schools                                        

Louisville, Kentucky  2010 - 2017, 2020 - 2022

Science Teacher

As a science teacher for JCPS, I taught elementary, middle, and high school STEM courses, including life science, environmental science, health science, and engineering. In addition, I taught professional development for science teachers, mentored new STEM teachers, participated in science education research, and conducted district-level curriculum development and instructional design. I gained additional leadership experience serving as a team leader and developing and managing STEM career pathways programs. I taught complex science concepts in plain, easy-to-understand language and ensured that appropriate science standards were met. I also taught STEM skills, such as experimental design, laboratory skills, microscopy, air and water testing, biodiversity sampling, habitat restoration, and science writing. I am experienced in teaching virtual and in-person instruction for elementary, middle, and high school students in addition to adult education and professional development for teachers. I have leadership experience outlined below.

• Team leader: lead a team of 4-6 teachers, act as a liaison between teachers, administrative and counseling staff, students, and parents, manage team policies, scheduling, student discipline, create reports, analyze data to ensure student success

• Mentor new STEM teachers with guided lesson planning, modeling teaching strategies, lesson observations

• Teach professional development for teachers at school and district levels, present at national conferences

• District-level research, curriculum writing, and instructional design for JCPS K-12 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-based Science Courses

• Environmental & Health Science Pathways Program: Co-manage program, write grant applications and fundraise; write curriculum, program development, student recruitment and program marketing, teach Environmental Science and Health Science courses

• Develop partnerships and collaborate with subject matter experts in state and local organizations, universities, and local businesses to create Environmental Education programming and develop outdoor classroom space

• Nature trail and outdoor classroom: Certified Wildlife Habitat, Certified Butterfly Garden, Monarch Watch Monarch Waystation, fruit and vegetable garden, birdwatching station, stream study area, indoor classroom grow station, and greenhouses for experiential learning

• Researched, planned, and implemented ecological projects with students: invasive species removal, collecting seeds from native plants, growing native plants from seed, conducting habitat restorations, participating in community science programs, stream studies, biodiversity surveys

• Participate in global community science projects including Global Ozone (GO3) Project, GO3 Treks, Air Quality Treks (AQTreks), and EarthEcho to collect, analyze, and share air and water quality data globally 

• Conduct short-term and long-term active and passive environmental monitoring of indoor and outdoor air quality using a variety of stationary and mobile instruments and sensor-based electronic monitoring equipment 

• Record air quality data including ozone, black carbon, PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and weather data including temperature, humidity, and daily weather conditions 

• Conduct water quality studies using a variety of electronic equipment and meters, indicators, chemical analyses, and biodiversity surveys 

• Lead students through the process of data collection, analysis, visualization, and communication utilizing Google Earth, NASA Simulations, ArcGIS tools, ERSI Maps, smartphone applications (2B Tech, iNaturalist, eBird, Marine Debris Tracker), and other databases 

• Analyze green canopy, temperature, and pollution data and racial and socioeconomic distribution in the city of Louisville to draw conclusions about environmental justice and public health issues 

• Teach human impacts on the environment including air/water/light/noise pollution, climate change, green canopy, urban heat island effect, environmental health issues, environmental justice issues, and developing solutions to environmental problems

• Sponsor for both the school-level Environmental Club and JCPS District-level Environmental Club. 

• Engineering Pathways Program: Implement and manage program, develop program goals, write grant applications and fundraise, develop and maintain program budget; conduct instructional design to align Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses with program goals and NGSS; manage program hardware, software, and technology; teach Environmental-focused engineering courses

• Teach engineering courses in which students create, test, and analyze 3D models using CAD software and mathematical programs for statistical analysis; design and model alternative energy solutions, and sustainably design affordable housing units using Autodesk® 3D architectural design software 

• Robotics Club: lead students in designing, building, and programming robotics projects using VEX equipment and software 

Courses Taught:

Life Science -  Students learn about structure and function in organisms as well as the cycling of matter and flow of energy in organisms and ecosystems. They investigate the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on population dynamics, natural selection and adaptation, and the inheritance and variation of a species’ traits. 

Human Impacts on the Environment - Students learn about human impacts on the environment including biodiversity and the spread of invasive species, air and water pollution, light pollution, how human activities influence changes to ecosystems, the effects of agricultural and fishing activities, human-caused climate change, and use of natural resources. 

Earth Science - Students learn about earth/space concepts including Earth-sun-moon relationships, Earth’s structure, materials, and geologic processes and the resulting surface features, as well as weather and climate patterns. Earth science concepts include Earth’s geologic time scale and human impacts on Earth’s systems, such as global climate change and depletion of natural resources. 

Physical Science - Students learn about the structure and properties of matter as well as the forces on and interactions between moving objects, energy, energy transfer and conservation, electric, magnetic, and gravitational forces, and wave properties and applications.

Health Science - Students are introduced to human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and public health concepts. Students become acquainted with health and medical terminology and explore a variety of public health, healthcare, and medical careers.

Biology - Students learn about cellular function and the essential role that proteins play in the work of cells and living systems, photosynthesis, respiration, and the cycling of matter and flow of energy in organisms. They examine genetic variation in a population and why individuals of the same species vary in how they look, function, and behave, and the role variation plays in the process of natural selection. Topics include the mechanisms of genetic inheritance, the environmental and genetic causes of gene mutation, and the complex interdependencies and significant environmental impacts of human activities.

Environmental Science - Students learn about ecology, principles of conservation, identification and classification of organisms, taxonomy of species, world ecosystems, and human impact on the environment including the destruction of ecosystems, pollution, natural resources, and climate change and future outcomes. Hands-on, experiential learning in our outdoor classroom, including stream, nature trail, certified wildlife habitat, bird-watching blind, and pollinator garden. Year-round environmental monitoring including indoor and outdoor air and water quality. Experimental design, data collection, analysis, and visualization using Google Earth, ArcGIS, and other applications and software programs. Participation in community science programs including Audubon Society’s Bird Census Program, Cornell FeederWatch Program, Christmas Bird Count, Monarch Watch, GO3 Project, GO3 Treks, Air Quality Treks, and EarthEcho Water Challenge.

Modeling and Design (PLTW) - Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. Students learn how to use a computer-aided design (CAD) application to create solid models. Students create a solid model of their design using the CAD application and fabricate their design solution for testing. Students use a dynamic mathematics program to complete statistical analysis from their testing results to determine if their design met the criteria and constraints. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned throughout the unit to design something to meet a need. 

Energy and the Environment (PLTW) - Students are challenged to think big and toward the future, as they explore sustainable solutions to our energy needs and investigate the impact of energy on our lives and the world. They design and model alternative energy sources and evaluate options for reducing energy consumption. 

Green Architecture (PLTW) - Today’s students have grown up in an age of “green” choices. In this unit, students learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.

STEM Programs:

Project Lead the Way STEM Program

STEM Education programs designed to help students develop modern, in-demand, transportable skills such as problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and teamwork that they will use both in school and in any career that they pursue. Led program development, recruited and selected students for program admission, conducted marketing activities, managed technology, conducted curriculum design to adapt PLTW courses to align with program curriculum and standards, and taught 6th-8th grade engineering and design courses.

Environmental and Health Science Magnet

Environmental-focused magnet program designed to help students develop STEM skills through hands-on, experiential learning. Students learn to be scientists and develop solutions to real-world problems through experimental design, data collection, analysis, and communication. In Environmental Science, students learn about ecology, principles of conservation, identification and classification of organisms, world ecosystems, and human impacts on the environment. In Health Science, students are introduced to human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and public health concepts. Students become acquainted with health and medical terminology and environmental health problems and explore a variety of public health, healthcare, and medical careers. Co-led program development, wrote grant applications and fundraised, designed curriculum, recruited and selected students for program admission, conducted marketing activities, and taught 6th-9th grade Environmental Science and Health Science courses.

Environmental Education Experiential Learning Projects:

Nature trail and outdoor classroom design and build 

National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat 

North American Butterfly Association Certified Monarch Garden and Certified Butterfly Garden in partnership with Dropseed Native Plant Nursery 

Monarch Watch Certified Monarch Waystation

Bird-watching Program 

Vegetable and Fruit Gardens 

Stream studies, water quality testing, macroinvertebrate sampling 

Air quality/pollution monitoring 

Tree canopy and urban heat island effect studies, environmental justice studies 

Meadow and forest habitat restoration projects 

Biodiversity surveys, botanical surveys 

Invasive species removal projects 

Student-led projects (bird blind design and build, bird house builds, recycling program, classroom grow station)

Community Science Program Participation: 

Audubon Society’s Bird Census Program - collect and report biodiversity data of bird species 

Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count - collect and report migratory bird data 

Cornell FeederWatch Program - collect and report biodiversity data of bird species 

Monarch Watch Tagging Program - tag Monarch butterflies and collect data on their migration 

GO3 Project - global air quality monitoring 

AQTreks - global air quality monitoring 

EarthEcho Water Challenge - global water quality monitoring 

Student-led community science projects

Kentucky Science Center Partnership with the Lincoln Foundation                                                              

Louisville, Kentucky  2011 - 2013

Science Teacher, Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Program, Math and Science Program

As Science Teacher for the Whitney M. YOUNG Scholars Math and Science Program, I taught science classes to academically gifted and talented, socioeconomically disadvantaged students in the Louisville Metro area through a partnership with the Kentucky Science Center. I developed an engaging, standards-based science curriculum and taught lessons designed to focus on the development of STEM skills in students traditionally underrepresented in careers in the sciences.

YMCA Camp Piomingo

Brandenburg, Kentucky 2010

Program Director

As Program Director for YMCA Camp Piomingo, I developed, planned, and implemented outdoor experiential and environmental education programming for summer camps and educational and team-building programming for school groups. I trained, supervised, and scheduled staff in clinics and activity areas and ensured the safety of campers by setting up activity equipment and performing routine inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Kentucky Legislative Research Commission                                    

Frankfort, Kentucky  2006

Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Energy Committee - LRC Intern

During the 2006 legislative session, I completed a full-time Legislative Research Commission internship assigned to the Environment and Natural Resources and Energy committees. I conducted legislative research on existing environmental statutes, natural resource management regulations, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air and water quality regulations and requirements. I performed policy analysis, wrote, and edited new Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy legislation, and wrote amendments to Kentucky Revised Statutes. I tracked bill and amendment progress through committees, the House, and Senate, and supported committee meetings.

Watershed Management Training Certificate

EPA Watershed Academy

Training in watershed management including modules covering watershed ecology, watershed change, analysis and planning, management practices, community and social practices, and water law. 

Kentucky Watershed Training

Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University of Kentucky

Training from the Kentucky Division of Water for water quality professionals including modules covering The Clean Water Act and related water quality laws, water quality basics, dealing with data, land use impacts and related best management practices, likely partners, and effective communications. 

Tick University 2022

CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases and Tennessee Department of Health

Received a fellowship award to complete intensive training in tick biology, tick identification, tickborne diseases, public health measures, and nationally relevant current topics. Hands-on training in field collection methods, tick identification, molecular and microbiology laboratory processing, PRC testing methods, data collection, analysis, database management, and CDC reporting.

Tick Training Program

CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases and UF Institute of Food and Agriculture, 2022

Training in tick biology, tick identification, surveillance methods, tick management, common tick-borne diseases, safety and prevention, and connections to public health.

Mosquito Training Program

CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases and UF Institute of Food and Agriculture

Training in mosquito identification, mosquitos of major importance in urban environments, mosquito life cycles, methods of control, personal protective equipment, safe insecticide application, and laws and regulations governing mosquito control for the urban pest management industry.

Kentucky Teacher Certification in Science, Rank 1

Kentucky Teacher Certification in Social Studies, Rank 1

Project Lead the Way STEM Teacher Certification

Tick University 2022, Experience with AlphaGal Syndrome

One Health 2022,  Patient Perspective: AlphaGal Syndrome

UofL Health KYSPEN 2023, Patient Talk: Living with AlphaGal Syndrome

Scientific Skills:

Air and Water Quality Monitoring 

Data Collection, Management, Analyzation, and Visualization 

Experience managing data using Excel, Access, and R 

Experience using GIS 

Botanical Identification 

Biodiversity Surveys 

Tick/Mosquito Identification 

Experience using PCR/qPCR to identify viruses and bacteria in samples 

Technical Writing, Science Communication for a general audience 

Chemical and microbiological analyses, field and laboratory

Computer Software and Technology:

Adobe Creative Suite 

Microsoft Office Suite/Google Apps 

Databases, Excel, Access 

Wolfram Matamatica, Raven, and R 

Computer-Aided Design (CAD): AutoCAD, AutoDesk, Tinkercad 

VEX: robotics equipment and software 

Vernier Software & Technology: LabQuest sensors, Renewable Energy kits, Graphical Analysis software 

Google Earth, Project Sunroof 

Air Quality Monitors: 2B Tech, Aethlabs, Aranet, PurpleAir, Davis Weather Station 

Water Quality Databases: LIMS, WIMS, SCADA, and GIS

Teaching/Presentation Skills:

K-12 Teaching 

Adult Education and Professional Development 

Virtual and In-person Education 

Presentation Design, Public speaking 

Curriculum Design and Development 

Instructional Design, Training, and Assessment

Creative Skills:

Professional Digital and Film Photography, Videography, and Editing 

Graphic Design - Logos, Infographics, Illustration, Marketing Collateral, Print Ads 

Website Design and Management

Innovation Leadership Program (ILP) Award, Resource Environmental Solutions 2024

Proposal: Evaluating abiotic and biotic factors influencing the success of Quercus establishment in wetland restorations

Award: $23,300

Mentored Research Award, University of Louisville  2024-2025

Proposal: Soil bacterial functional diversity of wetland restoration sites

Award: $1,500

ADVANC3E  2013-2014 

GE Foundation, Kentucky Department of Education math-science partnership grant to advance the vertical alignment of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) core in Jefferson County Public Schools K-12 science classrooms. Participated in research, curriculum development, adaptation, and implementation for JCPS science courses with a team of science educators from elementary through college levels.

TERC Accessing Science Ideas  2011-2012 

National Science Foundation-funded project to develop and research content enhancements that support science learning of middle school students with executive function learning disabilities. Participated in research design, data collection, and analysis of the effectiveness of content enhancements.

National Education Association, Kentucky Education Association

Member, 2010-Present

National Science Teacher Association

Member, 2010-Present

Kentucky Association for Environmental Education

Member, 2020-Present

Kentucky Native Plant Society

Member, 2020-Present

Botanical Society of America

Member, 2020-Present

Entomological Society of America

Member, 2022-Present

Ecological Society of America

Member, 2022-Present

Awards:

Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the highest civilian honor in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Commissioned in 2006 by the Governor for dedication and service to the people of the Commonwealth.

Vaccination Status:

Fully vaccinated and boosted against SARS-CoV-2