What is your academic history? I received my B.S. from the University of Illinois in Integrative Biology, my M.S. from Coastal Carolina University in Coastal, Marine, and Wetland Studies, and am currently working on my Ph.D in Biological Sciences here at MSU.

What is your research focus? My research interests include population ecology, cooperation/kin selection, and spatial arrangements of marine mammals. My dissertation research focuses on the age-related and environmental-related survival patterns and spatial configurations of male Weddell seals in Erebus Bay, Antartica.

What is/are your future career aspiration(s)? Upon completion of my Ph.D, I hope to obtain a position as either a professor at a small university or as a research scientist.

Why did you choose MSU for grad school? 

What is one non-academic interest/hobby that you have/do? I enjoy running and serve as an official for MSU track & field meets, lead a local running group, and compete in a handful of races, mostly Spartan Obstacle Races