About MeI am currently a postdoctoral scholar studying evolutionary ecology and animal behavior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee working in the Rodriguez lab. I received my MS and PhD from the University of Florida where I was a member of the Miller Lab and studied how heterogeneous environments can affect reproduction. During my undergraduate career at Clemson University, I joined the Ptacek lab and studied female mate choice in sailfin mollies. Since my interest in ecology, evolution, and animal behavior started in high school during my freshman biology course, I decided to begin a career as a high school biology teacher upon graduating from Clemson. After 7 years of classroom teaching, I made the leap back to graduate school. These experiences continue to influence me in my pursuit of research and my enthusiasm and dedication to teaching. I am thrilled that I have a job that combines my two passions: teaching and research!
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“One characteristic emerged as a significant predictor of success. It was grit. Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. [...] Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.” ― Angela Lee Duckworth |
Field Work
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Conducting field work is an excellent way to understand the life history and behavior of the species you study. I've conducted field work on the leaf-footed cactus bug, Narnia femorata, as well as related species in my many collaborations. It is important to understand how insects behave in the wild to understand natural mating system dynamics, so getting outside and watching your study organism is essential to making laboratory research relevant.
At times, field work can be hot, frustrating, and grueling. However, when you find what you're looking for, it is well worth the effort! These are just a few pictures that show off how fun field work discovery can be! |
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