What is your academic history? I received my B.S. Biology with Emphasis in Ecology from Northern Michigan University in 2017. My undergraduate research focused on the effects of increased temperature on sunfish predator avoidance and metabolic rate, and also on validating brook trout metabolic rate vs. time of day. I attended Montana State University as a post- baccalaureate in the spring of 2018, and was accepted into the  M.S. Fish and Wildlife Management graduate program for the fall 2018 semester.

What is your research focus? My graduate research seeks to identify different life history characteristics in wild westslope cutthroat trout that may influence success in a hatchery environment. By working with the Sekokini Hatchery near West Glacier, MT, I hope to develop health assessments for incoming juvenile trout to identify low-care, medium-care, and high-care groups to improve the quality and condition of the individuals, and ultimately increase the reproductive output of the hatchery.

What is/are your career aspiration(s)? Until recently, my next goal was to "get into grad school" and now that I have achieved that, my only viable goal is "get Master's degree". I ultimately would like to get into conservation genetics and upper level management, but I need to focus on getting my master's degree first.

Why did you choose MSU for grad school? I didn't actively choose MSU, although I knew it was a good school. I was presented with an opportunity and I took it. After I graduated in 2017 I worked for the National Park Service as a boat captain on the lake trout removal project in Yellowstone National Park. I applied to several graduate positions at MSU during the field season, and was rejected for all of them. However, I had emailed several faculty members about volunteering in labs, and Dr. Verhille offered me a paid position once my field season ended. I worked for her for several months and took some post-bacc classes before she offered me a graduate position.

What is one non-academic interest/hobby that you have/do? Since moving to Montana I have really fallen in love with flyfishing. I also love skijoring with my dog, Lucky Dog.