About Me
I am currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I study the ecology of human-dominated ecosystems, including agricultural and urban environments. My research seeks to understand the broad questions of how to manage human dominated landscapes for both wildlife and people. My main goals are to find and understand the scenarios where we can maximize benefit in both directions. Most of my research is focused on birds, but I am interested in many other taxa as well.
I am currently examining the contributions of electric powerline right-of-way corridors to the biodiversity and ecological health of the Chicagoland area. Recently, I have also conducted research on pest control services provided by birds on farms.
Before starting graduate school, I spent several years working seasonal research jobs in order to gain experience in a variety of field research techniques. I have conducted research across the U.S., in Jamaica, and in Kenya. I have also lived on a small organic poultry farm, and am interested in many aspects of sustainable food production. Although most of my research experience has been in ornithology, my main research goals are generally conservation-oriented, and I see the study of birds as a vehicle for my broader interest in global sustainability.
I am currently examining the contributions of electric powerline right-of-way corridors to the biodiversity and ecological health of the Chicagoland area. Recently, I have also conducted research on pest control services provided by birds on farms.
Before starting graduate school, I spent several years working seasonal research jobs in order to gain experience in a variety of field research techniques. I have conducted research across the U.S., in Jamaica, and in Kenya. I have also lived on a small organic poultry farm, and am interested in many aspects of sustainable food production. Although most of my research experience has been in ornithology, my main research goals are generally conservation-oriented, and I see the study of birds as a vehicle for my broader interest in global sustainability.
