About Me

I’m a behavioral ecologist and ornithologist working on finishing my PhD in the Lyon Lab at UC Santa Cruz. My primary research interests are the evolution of social and parasitic behavior, and I’m also interested in applying behavioral ecology to conservation efforts.

My thesis project is a collaboration with the Eadie Lab at UC Davis, studying conspecific brood parasitism (CBP) in wood ducks (Aix sponsa). CBP occurs when a female lays at least one egg in the nest of another female of the same species and does not provide any further care for that egg. I am investigating the methods researchers use to detect CBP in the wild, the life history context in which wood ducks engage in CBP, and the possibility that relatives help one another by engaging in this behavior.

Other than working on my thesis, I enjoy watching the wildlife of Hawaii island, playing video and board games, cooking, and swing dancing.