I grew up in eastern Pennsylvania, establishing a passion for animals, especially wildlife, at a young age. I received my BS in Animal Sciences from Cornell University in 2009, and dove straight into the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating as a VMD in 2013. From there, I spent two years practicing as a veterinarian in a small animal clinic in Wyoming, treating dogs, cats, exotic pets, and wildlife, but recognized that my true passion would be to conduct research that informed management of conservation efforts for wildlife on a larger scale. During veterinary school, I developed an interest in wildlife disease and epidemiological models. Following this interest led me to Colorado State University, where I studied wildlife disease ecology in a PhD program under Dr. Colleen Webb. I currently live and work in Central Maryland as a postdoctoral quantitative disease ecologist with the US Geological Survey. Extracurricular interests include ki aikido, rock climbing, hiking, board games, and blues harmonica.