About
I'm a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech, an Interfaces of Global Change Fellow, and National Science Foundation GRFP Fellow. I received my Bachelor's degree in biology from Boston University in 2018.
After exploring many aspects of biology, I'm currently interested in pursuing research to better understand how a bird's environment affects their behavior and physiology, specifically in the tropics. My PhD research investigates differences between Puerto Rican Tody populations in rainforest and dry forest environments.
In addition to research, I'm passionate about making STEM and the outdoors more inclusive, and storytelling to amplify voices that have been silenced and excluded. I'm the community engagement specialist for Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia and co-editor of Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature. Check out some of my diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) projects here.
In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities, such as running, backpacking, kayaking, and birdwatching.
Pronouns: she/her
Education
2019 - Present
Virginia Tech
Ph.D. Candidate in Biological Sciences
2014 - 2018
Boston University
B.A. in Biology
Fellowships, Grants, and Awards
RESEARCH
National Science Foundation
Graduate Research Fellowship Program
($46,000/year | 2020-2023)
Ralph E. Carlson Memorial Scholarship in Ornithology
($973 | 2021, 2023)
Virginia Tech Dean’s Graduate Award for Excellence
($2,000 | 2021)
American Ornithological Society Research Award
($1,000 | 2021)
BirdsCaribbean David S. Lee Award
($1,000 | 2021)
Florida Ornitological Society Robertson Fellowship Award
($750 | 2020)
Bard at Brooklyn Public Library Fellowship
($1,500 | 2020)
Virginia Tech Nutshell Games Award
($500 | 2020)
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies MINRC Stipend
(Conference expenses | 2022)
American Ornithological Society Travel Award
(Conference expenses | 2022)
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION & OUTREACH
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
