Haleakalā crater — Maui, HI
My research focuses on understanding how collaborative and community-based approaches to scientific research can address local environmental challenges. I am particularly interested in engaging youth in place-based science education research that serves to protect local ecosystems and how these experiences increase students’ agency for environmental action.
I am also interested in understanding: 1) How engaging students in place-based learning may instill an ethic of care and stewardship for the environment; 2) How place-based learning and land stewardship can serve as a source of cultural revitalization; 3) How Traditional Ecological Knowledge can inform place-based learning in an ethical and culturally-responsive manner; and 4) How place-based learning and land stewardship may mediate climate anxiety, particularly in youth.
My inspiration for this research and work stems from a deep appreciation for the natural world— a direct result of a childhood spent close to nature.
Kīhei Elementary School Garden — Maui, HI
Agriculture and Food security Volunteer Training (US Peace Corps) — Panauti, Nepal
Education
Ph.D., Science and Agricultural Education (Present), University of California Davis — Patwin Land | Davis, CA
Master of Science, Environmental Studies (2019), Green Mountain College — Mohican Land | Poultney, VT
Bachelor of Science, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (2014), University of California Davis — Patwin Land | Davis, CA
Certificate of Culinary Arts (2009), Napa Valley College — Miwok Land | St. Helena, CA.
Service
Center for Land-based Learning, Student Landowner Education for Watershed Stewardship (SLEWS) Program Mentor — Woodland, California (2023-2024)
Kīhei Charter School, Environmental Club Advisor — Maui, Hawaiʻi (2021 - 2022)
Global Student Embassy, Campus Representative, University of California Davis — Davis, California / Boaco, Nicaragua (2013-2014)
Dining Services, University of California Davis, Local Foodways and Farmers Market Coordinator — Davis, California (2013)
University of California Davis, Ecological Garden Assistant — Davis, California (2012)
Edible Magazine (Shasta-Butte), Journalist (2011-2012)
World Watch Institute, Nourishing the Planet Project, Research Journalist — Washington D.C. (2011)
Experience
Graduate Student Researcher | Center for Community and Citizen Science | University of California, Davis (Spring, 2024)
Graduate Student Researcher | Center for Community and Citizen Science | University of California, Davis (Winter, 2024)
Graduate Student Researcher | Center for Community and Citizen Science | University of California, Davis (Fall, 2023)
Graduate Student Researcher | Center for Community and Citizen Science | University of California, Davis (Summer, 2023)
Teaching Assistant | Environmental Science Education; Educational Psychology | University of California, Davis (Spring, 2023)
Teaching Assistant | Introduction to Schools; Elementary Science Education - Pre-Service Teacher Educational Program | University of California, Davis (Winter, 2023)
Graduate Student Researcher | Center for Community and Citizen Science | University of California, Davis (Fall 2022)
Graduate Student Researcher | Center for Community and Citizen Science | University of California, Davis (Summer 2022)
Science Teacher and Researcher | Kīhei Charter School | Hawaiʻi Department of Education (2021 - 2022)
3rd Grade Teacher | Hawaiʻi Department of Education (2017-2022)
Development Coordinator and Garden-based Educator | Grow Some Good | Maui, HI (2017-2020)
Instructor | University of Hawaiʻi Maui College (2018-2019)
Agriculture and Food Security Volunteer | U.S. Peace Corps | Nepal (2016)
AWARDS
U.C. Davis Global Grad Research Grant (2024)
North American Congress for Conservation Biology Conference Scholarship (2024)
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Award Recipient (2024)
U.C. Davis Graduate Group in Education Conference Scholarship (Spring, 2024)
Public Impact Research Initiative Grant, UC Davis Office of Public Scholarship and Engagement (2024-2025)
U.C. Davis Graduate Group in Education Fellowship Award (Winter, 2024)
U.C. Davis Community and Citizen Science in Conservation Fellowship (2023-2024)
U.C. Davis Public Scholars for the Future Fellowship (2023-2024)
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Scholarship (2023)
U.C. Davis Graduate Group in Education Research Fellowship Award (Spring, 2023)
U.C. Davis Graduate Group in Education Fellowship Award (Spring, 2023)
U.C. Davis Graduate Group in Education Fellowship Award (Winter, 2023)
National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) Graduate Student Committee Scholarship (2023)
University of California Davis, First Year Fellowship Award (2022)
Coverdell Peace Corps Fellowship (2017)
Masami Scholarship (2017)
United States Presidential Community Service Award (2014)
Dairyville Orchard Festival Scholarship (2010-2014)
Andy Peek Scholarship (2014)
University of California Davis, Provost Award (2013)
Francis J. Saunders Scholarship (2012-2013)
American Association of University Women Scholarship (2012)