I am currently the Conservation Social Scientist at the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife. I also have a Courtesy Faculty appointment with the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University. Starting in Summer 2023, I will also have an Affiliate Assistant Professor status in the School of Environmental and Forestry Sciences at the University of Washington. I am also a member of the Science Advisory Committee for the NW Straits Commission.

I recently was a Research Associate and Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University (2017-2022).

Much of my current work focuses on integrating the social sciences into fish, wildlife, and natural resource management in Washington State (USA).

Current Research

1. Geoliteracy: Working in collaboration with the Puget Sound Institute (PSI) at the University of Washington and agency staff, I am examining the geographic literacy of Puget Sound residents with an emphasis on estuaries. This project is funded by PSI and builds upon a previous study conducted with the Seadoc Society at UC-Davis.

2. Landscape Values: Working in collaboration with agency staff in Eastern Washington, I am developing a study focused on residents’ sense of place and landscape values of shrubsteppe. This study directly builds upon current research being conducted at Boise State University.

3. Human Wellbeing: Working in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center and Empowering People in Communities, I am working on a community-based participatory research project focused on inclusively engaging and gauging Puget Sound communities often excluded from environmental planning and monitoring with an emphasis on communities’ human wellbeing. This project is funded by the Puget Sound Partnership.

4. Trails: Working in collaboration with agency staff, I am helping develop an evaluative study focused on trail-users and trail-based volunteers.

5. Coastal Communities: Working in close collaboration with the Centre for Landscape and Culture at Tallinn University (Anu Printsmann), I am wrapping up a study stemming from my previous role, focused on understanding Estonian coastal residents’ connections and interactions with coastal landscapes within the context of the illegal Soviet occupation through a post-colonial lens. This study builds upon previous fieldwork focused on Estonian coastal sense of place and maritime cultural landscapes. This study is funded by the Landscape Research Group.

6. Nature-based Inclusion: Working in close collaboration with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization in Portland, Oregon, I recently completed community-based participatory research project focused on the role of nature at fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion among Portland’s large Slavic community. I am hoping to expand this study in the future.