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Biography

I grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina, earned degrees in biology, and have substantial experience in the fields of science, research, and education. Prior to teaching at WCU, I taught for 10 years as a high school and college-level science teacher in Jackson and Swain counties, including several years as an adjunct instructor at SCC. My first teaching experience was as a graduate teaching assistant for Dendrology and Flora of the Southern Appalachians and later as an adjunct lecturer of introductory ​biology courses at WCU.<br><br>In addition to my master’s thesis research in plant systematics and rare species conservation and subsequent related research, I have substantial experience in both field and laboratory settings. I have worked various seasonal and contracted positions with government and non-profit agencies including conducting rare plant surveys in Nantahala National Forest, supervising the botanical garden collections at Highlands Biological Station, conducting wetlands surveys and mapping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, botanical inventory surveys in Cherokee National Forest, and assisting with a publication on the Highlands Botanical Garden, among others.

Education

• MS, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ
• BS, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ

Teaching Interests

I am a currently a full-time instructor teaching undergraduate courses in Dendrology, Forest Ecology, and others in the Natural Resource Conservation and Management program.<br><br><u>Current Courses</u>:<br>NRM 150 - Career Opportunities<br>NRM 255 - Dendrology<br>NRM 351 - Forest Ecology

Research Interests

Plant Systematics, Conservation, and Ecology