I have a fondness for the little squishy things in life. Aquatic invertebrates of the marine and freshwater kind are my personal favorites! If you want to get me to go full nerd, ask me about the Planarian regeneration study I did.

I grew up swimming in the numerous lakes of Minnesota, then moved onto the Pacific Northwest for several years (2011-2016), where I developed my love for invertebrates. I then moved back to the Midwest to Omaha, Nebraska where I learned all about the local flora and fauna by working for the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium's Education department. I taught classes, workshops, and hands on STEM based activities for learners of all ages at the Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park!

And in 2019 I craved the Pacific Northwest again and moved to Eugene, Oregon where I lived for several years exploring the different ecosystems that state has to offer! But due to the pandemic and state of the world, it was the pull of my family that brought me full circle back to Minnesota in June of 2021. And here is where I completed all three MN Master Naturalist Biome courses through the U of MN Extension, an immersive way to learn how amazing the natural world of Minnesota is.