Education
PhD - Ecology
Utah State University
January 2018 - Present
My dissertation research focuses on reducing inputs and adding value to turfgrass systems. I am looking at the effects of including clovers into lawns on the quality and ecosystem functions of the turf and at the effects of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on drought tolerance of turf.
M.S. - Horticulture
University of Arkansas
May 2015 - May 2018
I conducted a two-year study to determine the effect of sand topdressing and soil rootzone on earthworm casting activity. I also conducted morphological and molecular identification of earthworms from golf course turf in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
B.S. - Environmental, Soil, and Water Science
Minor: Horticulture
Minor: Wildlife Habitat
University of Arkansas
I conducted an honors thesis project, researching the effect of aeration frequency on compost processing and quality.
August 2011 - May 2015
Employment History
Natural Scientist
Sunday
Boulder, CO
February 2022 - August 2023
In my role as Natural Scientist, I collaborated across multiple aspects of the business -- bringing scientific expertise to research and development, creative, retail and ecommerce, marketing, customer service, tech and engineering, and operations teams.
I served as science liaison and strategist for physical product development in the lawn, garden, and pest categories. I helped drive business goals by providing weather and natural science education paired with product guidance to marketing, retail, DTC/ecommerce, and operations teams. I planned and executed scientific communication and education related to garden, lawns, weather, natural sciences, integrated pest management, and product specifications to internal teams as well as customers and leads, through resource and database development, internal trainings, social media posts, blog writing, email copywriting, and product copy edits.
Ecologist
Sunday
Boulder, CO
January 2021 - January 2022
Developed science content for internal training, customer service and education, and blogs. Brought scientific expertise to inform lawn, garden, and pest product development.
Coordinator for Operations, Sales, and Volunteers
Compost Cache Valley
Logan, UT
August 2020 - Present
I assist with collection of compost and recycling materials; management of compost facilities; and data management. I also write for our company's sustainability blog.
Consultant
Utah Golf Course Superintendents Association
Murray, UT
February 2019 - December 2019
I worked with superintendents, state regulatory agencies, and university scientists to prepare the Best Management Practices for Utah Golf Courses manual, a state-level BMP plan to address sustainability on Utah's golf courses. This will contribute to the Golf Course Superintendents Association's goal of having BMP in all 50 states by 2020.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Utah State University Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate
Logan, UT
January 2019 - May 2019
PSC 4100/6100: Professional Turf and Urban Landscape Water Management (Online)
Graduate Assistant
Utah State University
Logan, UT
January 2018 - Present
I assist with research related to USUÂ Center for Water Efficient Landscaping.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Arkansas Department of Horticulture
Fayetteville, AR
May 2016 - December 2017
I assisted in maintenance of turfgrass research plots and collection of research data.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Arkansas Department of Crop, Soils, and Environmental Science
Fayetteville, AR
August 2015 - December 2015
ENSC 1001L: Environmental science laboratory
Intern
Boston Mountain Solid Waste District
Prairie Grove, AR
September 2014 - September 2015
I collaborated with the University of Arkansas Athletic Department and managed volunteers for the Game Day Challenge Recycling Competition. I also assisted in producing a comprehensive District Plan for solid waste management in Madison and Washington counties.
Part-Time Associate Manager
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Rogers, AR
August 2014 - May 2015
I encouraged a positive and enthusiastic work environment while completing manager duties, including opening and closing, payroll, scheduling, sales, shipment, and coaching associates.
Intern
University of Arkansas Ecosystem Research Experience for Undergraduates
Fayetteville, AR
May 2014 - July 2014
I conducted a habitat assessment and stream morphology survey and developed a restoration design for a tributary of Stone Dam Creek in Conway, AR. I presented results at a local conference and published results in the Dale Bumper’s College’s undergraduate research journal (Discovery).