Interests and Bio: Intraspecific trait variation has emerged as an important concept for understanding the adaptation of wildlife to urban environments. My research focuses on emerging patterns and underlying mechanisms of behavioral variation across the urban landscape to better understand the factors that allow animals to effectively respond to urbanization. Through my research, I hope to enhance understanding of fine-scale, within-city variation in animal behavior and apply this knowledge to facilitate better management of urban wildlife.
Prior to my graduate studies, I worked as a wildlife educator at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, which led me to think critically about the ecology of cities, human-wildlife interactions, and who has access to nature. Accordingly, I am interested in research that serves as a bridge between academia, government agencies, and the community and am committed to science outreach in cities that fosters connections between urban residents and nature.