I am a PhD. candidate in the Ecology program here at Penn State. My research interests include invasive species, plant-insect interactions, and conservation biological control. I am particularly interested in evaluating native plant species in terms of their ability to attract and maintain populations of beneficial insects. With this knowledge, weedy field edges may be altered with native plant communities to significantly increase the abundance and activity of beneficial insects within the cropping system.
I graduated from Providence College (Providence, RI) in 2005 with a B.S. in Biology. During the summer of 2006, I helped to survey the flora of tidally restricted saltmarshes as an intern with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod.
Aside from work, I enjoy hiking, photography, and tending to my houseplants. I am also learning to cook, but with limited success.
