Inspired by nature, drawn to the outdoors, empowered by science, and always learning through sharing.
My earliest memories of being outdoors are filled with excitement and curiosity. Observing wildlife was always the reward for time outside, and I did any and everything I could to get a closer look. This led me onto a career path immersed in science and one that would keep me experiencing the profound impacts of nature. I'm now realizing the benefits of a childhood subjected to the natural world are far greater than I had ever imagined.
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"Biophilia" is a term coined by biologist, E. O. Wilson. With it, he describes our affinity to the natural world - that we are drawn to it - that we need it because it's a part of who we are, all the while implicating a strong conservation ethic for its preservation. More importantly, the Biophilia hypothesis carries harsh consequences - should we allow nature to be destroyed or should we do nothing about the sudden collapse of people's engagement with nature. Exposure to nature improves overall health and happiness. And with the privilege of such a connection comes our responsibility to respectfully coexist in the natural world with creatures great and small.
At the graduate school level, I discovered that I was not quite as good at the thing I loved the most (or thought I did) - wildlife research. And despite pursuing it to the doctoral level, I was more naturally adept at sharing the stories and experiences of science, using it to bring others together, and ensuring that future generations have opportunity for its discovery and enlightenment - that was the environment for me to work within. I still have an affinity toward the sciences, academia and museum culture - because that is where my mind can wander.
