Research Statement.
My research interests include behavioral ecology involved in alarm calling and nest defense, vocal communication and perception of acoustic signals, and the the role social experience plays in these areas. My graduate work focuses on Yellow Warblers, which produce function reference calls (seet calls) that denote Brown-headed Cowbirds, a brood parasite. I value ethical research with animals and I strive for involvement of undergrads into my research for valuable experience. My future goals include either a position in academia, in science communication, or job with a blend of research and outreach. I am currently looking into post-doc positions to begin around Fall 2022.
Teaching Statement.
“You may have been persuaded to study biology because of current environmental problems, or because of a desire to know more about the mechanisms of your own body, or an interest in genetic engineering, or a career in medicine – in short, because it is relevant… [But] above all other considerations, study biology because it is irrelevant – study it for its own sake, because, like art and music and literature, it is an adventure for the mind and nourishment for the spirit.” – Helena Curtis
I credit my undergraduate professors for my interests in behavioral ecology research, with the hands-on research experience they provided (both in lab and in the field), the active teaching style they used, as well as their efforts to make learning a fun experience. I believe teachers have a huge impact on what routes students decide to take in education, and what they believe themselves capable of. I want to provide students with all the support and encouragement they need in order to reach their goals, as well as introduce them to pathways that they may have not thought possible. I like to use an active style of learning with socratic questioning, paired with humor and friendliness that helps students think and work through material in a comfortable and fun setting.
I credit my undergraduate professors for my interests in behavioral ecology research, with the hands-on research experience they provided (both in lab and in the field), the active teaching style they used, as well as their efforts to make learning a fun experience. I believe teachers have a huge impact on what routes students decide to take in education, and what they believe themselves capable of. I want to provide students with all the support and encouragement they need in order to reach their goals, as well as introduce them to pathways that they may have not thought possible. I like to use an active style of learning with socratic questioning, paired with humor and friendliness that helps students think and work through material in a comfortable and fun setting.
Outreach Statement.
A big interest of mine is science communication and outreach, where I get to interact with the community and talk about birds and research. I strive to promote the value of science to the public and encourage interest in local research and the flora and fauna we study. Through outreach with local communities we can foster scientific interest and a a passion to protect the world we live in.
Hobbies Statement.
I'm a believer in a healthy work-life balance, and as such I have various interests and hobbies outside the lab. I have two pet cockatiels and a flock of canaries that are great entertainment at home. I spend a lot of my free time either playing video games or DnD with friends, but I occasionally paint in watercolor or take photos of nature. Above all I love spending time with friends and my labmates :)