Biographie
I completed my PhD with Dr. Jeanne Romero-Severson at the University of Notre Dame (May 2010). My PhD dissertation was titled "Natural and Anthropogenic Influences on Population Dynamics in Butternut (Juglans Cinerea L.)"
My first post-doctoral position (2010-2013) was spent in France and Italy. I created, evaluated and improved methods for analyzing population genetic data from endangered species. I also worked to interpret and apply genetic data to conservation and restoration projects. I was part of a consortium known as ConGRESS (Conservation Genetic Resources for Effective Species Survival). ConGRESS is on online repository of data, resources and tools for scientists, conservation practitioners, managers and policy makers. This project is a collaboration between 13 institutions, and was funded by the European Union's FP7 Program.
Since October 2013 I have been a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS), located on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. My main current interests is to help optimally plan collections of seed from plant populations (e.g. in seed banks, agricultural collections, botanic gardens).
My broad research interest is understanding how environmental and demographic change influences evolutionary dynamics, and applying empirical and theoretical conservation genomics to conservation policy. Some topics that I have worked on include range-edge effects, local and long-distance dispersal, hybridization, and local adaptation- which all underlie a species' ability to persist. Lastly I develop tools and approaches to help ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of future genetic and genomic projects, especially sampling strategies. I collaborate broadly with researchers and practitioners around the world. I will begin a new permanent position in January 2016
Speaking at
IUCN SSC Biobanking Guidelines for Conservation Purposes
oct 10 2025 (13:30 - 14:10)
Room: Learning Zone Pavilion: Publications Hub
IUCN Guidelines on selecting species and populations for monitoring of genetic diversity
oct 10 2025 (14:30 - 15:10)
Room: Learning Zone Pavilion: Publications Hub
What is the road towards a standardized, accessible, inclusive assessment approach for conserving genetic diversity
oct 12 2025 (11:30 - 12:00)
Room: Forum - Arena