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Teaching, Mentorship, and Public Engagement

I am deeply committed to science education, mentorship, and public outreach. With experience spanning university classrooms, K–12 education, and community programming, my goal is to make conservation science accessible, engaging, and actionable for diverse audiences.

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At the university level, I have taught over 180 undergraduate students as a Teaching Assistant and Learning Assistant in biology and earth science courses, leading more than 10 lab sections focused on hands-on experimentation, field-based learning, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. My teaching philosophy centers on experiential learning and inclusivity—ensuring that students from all backgrounds can meaningfully engage with science.

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Beyond university teaching, I’ve designed and delivered interactive environmental education programs reaching more than 500 K–12 students and community members. This includes work with organizations such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, SeaWorld, and the NOAA Nature Coast Biological Station, where I created programming on topics such as marine wildlife ecology, species conservation, and environmental stewardship.

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I also actively support the professional growth of early-career scientists. In 2024, I founded and currently chair the Coastal and Marine Wildlife Working Group (CMWG) within The Wildlife Society—a national initiative connecting students, researchers, and professionals in marine conservation. Through this group, I have led the development of mentorship opportunities, educational webinars, and national conference sessions to foster knowledge exchange and career advancement.

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Whether mentoring undergraduate researchers, leading outreach, or developing conservation education programs, I strive to create transformative learning experiences that inspire connection, curiosity, and action.

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Teaching Experience

Teaching Assistant (TA)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Planet Earth Laboratory (EMES101L) – Spring 2025

  • Led 3 lab sections (40 students total) focused on Earth science concepts

  • Emphasized hands-on experiments and field-based learning

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University of Florida

Integrated Principles of Biology II Laboratory (BSC2011L) – Spring 2021

  • Taught 2 lab sections (~25 students each)

  • Covered evolutionary biology, genetics, and ecology

 
Learning Assistant (LA)

University of Florida

Integrated Principles of Biology II (BSC2011) – Fall 2020, Spring 2021

  • Provided peer-assisted learning across two semesters (40 students)

  • Facilitated discussion groups and collaborative problem-solving

 
Guest Lectures​

  • Predicting the Future of Hatteras Island – UNC Chapel Hill (2024)

  • Human Dimensions Research Methods – Arkansas State University (2023)

  • Human–Wildlife Interactions on the Alabama Coast – Auburn University (2023)

  • Tuna Industry & Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan – Auburn University (2023)

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Outreach & Science Communication

Professional Organizations

Founder & Chair – Coastal and Marine Wildlife Working Group (CMWG), The Wildlife Society (2024–present)

  • Established a national working group connecting students and professionals

  • Organized mentorship programs, webinars, and conference sessions

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K-12 & Community Education

Ocala Conservation Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (2020–2022)

Assistant Director

  • Managed day-to-day operations at a residential conservation education center

  • Hired, trained, and supervised a team of 30 seasonal educators

  • Designed and launched 4 new educational programs on wildlife, ecosystems, and hunter safety

  • Delivered presentations and outreach to youth and families to promote conservation awareness

 Alachua County Public Schools (2020)

Science Instructor

  • Designed weekly environmental science lessons for ~30 students

  • Included hands-on experiments and outdoor exploration

SeaWorld Entertainment (2019)

Education Specialist

  • Led marine conservation programs for 200+ students and families

  • Topics included ocean ecosystems and wildlife stewardship

Educator – Nature Coast Biological Station, University of Florida (2018–2019)

  • Reached 100+ participants with interactive salt marsh ecology programs

  • Activities included fish dissections and coastal trawling expeditions

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Public Engagement​

R3 Outreach – Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (2023–2024)
R3 Outreach – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (2022–2023)

  • Developed and delivered public education programs on:

    • Wildlife conservation

    • Hunter education

    • Environmental policy and stewardship

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