About me
Hi! Welcome to my page. Here's a bit about me:
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I am an integrative biologist specializing in biodiversity conservation genetics, ancient DNA research, and community-engaged science. My work bridges computational (dry-lab) and molecular (wet-lab) biology, where I design and validate advanced methods. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Center for Indigenous Science at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. In this role, I collaborate closely with the Malhi Molecular Anthropology lab, Catchen lab and partner institutions worldwide.
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My research integrates computational and bioinformatic methods with molecular genomic approaches, in conjunction with complementary disciplines such as archaeology, animal behaviour, conservation biology, and environmental science, to address questions that cannot be resolved within the confines of a single field. I seek to combine genomic and community-based approaches in order to generate outcomes that are both academically robust and meaningful to collaborating communities. In particular, I am interested in bringing together palaeogenomics, archaeology, conservation science, and computational biology to develop new interpretations of current and historical evolutionary and ecological events in both human and wildlife contexts. Ultimately, I aim to extend the impact of my work to support community priorities and to inform wildlife conservation planning within the United States and internationally.
I also venture into art, using various mediums (drawing, silversmithing) but the overarching theme of most of my creations is the inspiration I get from the natural world. I'm also a very keen traveler and solo-adventurist (well, pre-covid). Check out my Art & Travels page for more artsy and adventurous stuff.
Land Acknowledgement:
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I'm currently based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), United States of America. I would like to recognize and acknowledge that I live and work on the lands of the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Piankashaw, Wea, Miami, Mascoutin, Odawa, Sauk, Mesquaki, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Chickasaw Nations. These lands were the traditional territory of these Native Nations prior to their forced removal; these lands continue to carry the stories of these Nations and their struggles for survival and identity.
As a land-grant institution, the University of Illinois has a particular responsibility to acknowledge the peoples of these lands, as well as the histories of dispossession that have allowed for the growth of this institution for the past 150 years. I am also obligated to reflect on and actively address these histories and the role that this university has played in shaping them. This acknowledgement and the centering of Native peoples is a start as we move forward for the next 150 years. This statement is suggested by the UIUC Native American House.
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I'd love to hear from you
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Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
University of Illinois
IL, USA
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