Can you summarize your research in a simple way?
Doctor Dirt! I study how soil management can reduce environmental pollution and fight climate change.
How long have you conducted fieldwork?
Fieldwork is what made me fall in love with ecology. My first experience was as an undergrad in the rainforest of Belize. I have been doing fieldwork since 2002.
Where have you conducted fieldwork? Which was your favorite?
I have conducted fieldwork in Belize, Moorea, Panama, Kenya, Tanzania, Australia, Puerto Rico, California, Utah, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York.
I would say Belize was my favorite because it was my first. Moorea was the most beautiful. I like working in California where I can contribute to issues in my home state.
What is your favorite part about conducting fieldwork?
It’s obviously nice to be outside and to work with your hands, but my favorite part is really the comradery that comes with doing hard with your peers. Oh, and lunch.