Lab Technician
University of Texas at Austin
I am the lead technician for the Wolf Lab at the University of Texas at Austin. For the past 2 years I have worked with multiple graduate students and PIs to coordinate two large field experiments, one investigating plant community responses to multiple global change scenarios, and one an extension of the DRAGNet, a global network experiment aiming to quantify plant community dynamics and ecosystem recovery under different biotic and abiotic conditions.
My main interests lie in plant and insect conservation, and how these taxa respond to different changes imposed by human-altered environments. I also have a strong interest in increasing high quality presence data for biodiversity monitoring, and increasing recruitment into taxon-focused research (particularly entomology). I believe that lowering the barriers to entry and fostering an intentionally inclusive research environment are both important in the pursuit of both of these goals.
I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022 with a B.S. in Biology with a focus on Ecology, Evolution, and Animal Behavior. My first research experiences were in fish behavior – I studied how experience with different male mating strategies (courtship or coercion) altered female behavior and cognition in a species with multiple male reproductive types (the El Abra swordtail). I am fascinated by all aspects of living things, because the study of life is, frankly, the coolest thing there is. I am passionate about creating avenues for young students to build community and learn about the world of ecology, evolution, and behavior. To this end, I founded a first-of-its-kind club at UT Austin for all students studying or interested in ecology, evolution, behavior, or related topics – the Texas EEB Club. The club continues to provide community and resources for young, curious students looking for a place to learn about and appreciate living things. You can see what they're up to on Instagram @texaseeb!