Research Interests

What is your research focus? I am presently working towards an integrated human geography PhD focusing on energy development, landscape and reclamation in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. More specifically, my research addresses the legacy issues associated with sites of extraction and best practices for restoration. I approach this research from a community and policy perspective where I attempt to ground-truth reclamation policy to understand what is happening in practice in light of legislative mandates. I employ a qualitative research design where the bulk of the data I collect is derived from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with landowners, federal and state officials, and attorneys specializing in mineral law. As the spatial extent of domestic oil and gas production continues to increase in the U.S., I am glad to be contributing to the body of scholarship that works to better understand how we can avoid destructive environmental and social legacies at these post-extractive sites.

 

Career Aspirations

What is/are your career aspirations? My career goal is to be a tenure-track University Professor in Geography at an institution that balances excellence in teaching and research. Prior to beginning my PhD at MSU, I was an adjunct faculty member in the Geography Department at Keene State College where I taught multiple courses including Geography of the U.S. and Canada, the Geography of Aging, and a field studies course in the U.S. desert southwest. There I found my passion for teaching and advising undergraduate students which inspired me to pursue a PhD and work towards the goal of being a University Professor. I also regularly consider potentially working towards a position in higher education administration, but this is to be determined!

 

 

Why did you choose MSU for grad school? I chose MSU in order to work with my PhD supervisor, Dr. Julia Haggerty. In addition, considering the PhD program in Geography is relatively new to MSU, I was excited about the possibility of helping to shape and influence the direction of the program with the experiences of future graduate students in mind.

 

Activities and Interests

Activities: Typical Bozeman, I enjoy hiking and camping. I also love to read historical fiction and non-fiction.