I am from Ferndale, Michigan. I received my Ph.D. in Zoology (now Integrative Biology) and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, & Behavior from Michigan State University in 2012 where I studied evolutionary ecology and endocrinology in North American red squirrels with Andrew McAdam at the University of Colorado and Kay Holekamp at Michigan State University. I then did postdoctoral research in the Large Animal Research Group at the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge working with Tim Clutton-Brock on the Kalahari Meerkat Project. In 2014, I started as an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan and am now an Associate Professor (2020-present) in the Department of Psychology (Biopsychology Area) and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Outside of my academic interests, I enjoy sharing my relentless enthusiasm for science and nature (not the journals) and adventure with my three amazing and inspiring kids. I’m also a huge fan of music (country, folk, indie, etc.) and sports (ice hockey, baseball). Being outdoors, live music, cooking, baking, running, and early mornings at the ice rink or summer evenings on the baseball diamond where I help coach my kids in hockey, baseball, and softball keep me balanced.