I am a PhD student in Social and Ecological Sustainability in Dr. Stephen Murphy's Conservation and Restoration Ecology Research Group (CaRE). My research focuses on volunteering in restoration ecology. I am interested in how people and landscapes come together in restoration projects to create new landscapes that are both ecologically sound and socially beneficial. I have a particular interest in community restoration ecology and how volunteers can be empowered to restore the areas they care about.
I have a Master of Journalism degree from Ryerson University (2012) and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo (2010). Previously I worked as a journalist at TVO and the Toronto Star. I covered everything from climate change to crime and corruption.
I was born in Elliot Lake, Ontario and moved to Kitchener when I was just a few days old. I grew up in Kitchener, lived in Toronto for as long as I could bear it, then moved back to the area. My partner Emily and I live in uptown Waterloo with our dog, Bonnie Beans.
Research interests
- Social dynamics of restoration ecology
- Community restoration ecology and volunteerism
- Knowledge democratization
Teaching history
Fall 2019: Teaching assistant, ERS 300 - Systems Theory
Winter 2020: Teaching assistant, ERS 402 - Senior Research Seminar
Spring 2020: Teaching assistant, ERS 200 - Field Ecology
Spring 2020: Guest lecturer, ERS 340 - Ecosystem Assessment
Winter 2020: Teaching assistant, ERS 335 - Ecological Restoration
Community involvement
Board member, Society for Ecological Restoration Ontario
Executive team, UW Society for Ecological Restoration Student Association
Committee member, Region of Waterloo Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee