I am now an Assistant Professor and the Extension Weeds Specialist in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. I was a weed ecologist and a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Dr. David Mortensen's Weed and Agroecology Lab from May of 2004 until September of 2006. I grew up on a farm in northwestern Illinois and my family still farms in that area. I started my graduate career in weed science at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and after a short stint in the Peace Corps in Ecuador I decided I wanted to go back to graduate school to pursue my PhD in preparation for a career in research and teaching. I finished my doctorate in 2004 at Montana State University-Bozeman where I quantified the effects of cropping system management (crop rotation, crop sequence and herbicide inputs) on weed population temporal and spatial dynamics. At Penn State University I continued to be interested in the optimization of weed management inputs in conventional, reduced input and organic crop production systems. I was responsible for coordinating multidisciplinary research and outreach activities for a Transition to Organic Field Crop Production Project at a Penn State research farm near campus. I also continued to develop research interests in identifying mechanisms that facilitate the establishment and persistence of invasive plant species in natural areas. I took an active role in helping to advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students working both within the group and across several departments.
Away from work, I enjoy being with my son and tried to take advantage of the variety of outdoor activities available around the Corvallis area. In particular, I liked to hike the surrounding ridges and am working on developing my landscape photography skills. I also enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling and watching any and all sports.
