Research interests:
I am interested in using genetic and genomic tools to answer ecological questions relating to how anthropogenic changes are impacting endangered or threatened species. I received my B.S. in ecology and evolution from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before starting graduate school, I worked with the USFS to measure Southern California stream habitats and endangered steelhead trout populations in a study that aimed to determine the effects of increased fires on steelhead populations. I also had the opportunity to work as a crew lead for a greater sage grouse project in the Great Basin of Nevada. After graduate school, I hope to help with the management of endangered species and ecosystem biodiversity by integrating broad ecological perspectives from community, cultural, and academic resources.
Masters Project:
My master’s project is focused mainly on the Lassen and Sonora Sierra Nevada red fox populations. I will be using metabarcoding techniques to look at the diet of Sierra Nevada red foxes and compare their diets to coyotes, martens, and bobcats that live in the same area to see how much dietary niche overlap is occurring between these species. I will also be comparing macroscopically assessed scats from the Lassen Sierra Nevada red fox population with metabarcoding methods to see how these two methodologies compare. I am also hoping to compare the diet of Lassen Sierra Nevada red foxes to Sonora Sierra Nevada red foxes. Lastly, I aim to measure the seasonal changes in diets for Sierra Nevada red foxes and coyotes at Sonora Pass.