ABOUT ME
I am an environmental and applied anthropologist. Most recently, I worked for the Nez Perce Tribe Climate Change Program. As a member of this program, I co-developed a Tribal Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan, along with other projects. I worked closely with the Tribe’s Cultural Resources Division and conducted mixed methods research related to Traditional Knowledge and community perspectives. I also focused on participatory research and planning through community engagement and co-production of knowledge.
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In 2017, I received a M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Idaho, with a focus on multiple disciplinary, collaborative research in Social Ecological Systems. During my graduate program, I worked as research assistant for the Mountain Social Ecological Observatory Network (MtnSEON). Among other things, this involved conducting ethnographic research in a Social Ecological Systems Team Science context, including conducting interviews, developing and deploying surveys, and engaging in participant observation. While I was in graduate school, I also developed an interest in studying death and dying through the lens of environmental anthropology.
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I received a B.S. in Anthropology and academic certificate in Diversity & Stratification from the University of Idaho in December of 2013. After my undergraduate program, I worked for 17 months as an administrative professional at the University of Idaho.
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​In April 2019 I had my first child, Oliver Jay. In my free time, I serve on the Sustainable Environment Commission for the city of Moscow, Idaho, and volunteer with my local chapter of the League of Women Voters. When not at work or involved in local organizations, you can find me exploring local cemeteries and wild places, doing yoga, cooking, or reading science-fiction/fantasy. Fun fact: I am also an ordained minister!
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EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Social Ecological Systems
How can social science and ecological approaches come together to help solve environmental problems?
May 2017
M.A. Anthropology
University of Idaho
Emphasis: Environmental Anthropology, Science and Technology Studies
Cultural and community adaptation and resilience to climate change
What influences how different communities and groups adapt to the impacts of climate change? How are cultural values and perspectives included (or not) in community adaptation efforts?
Inter- and transdisciplinary team science
How do groups with different types of knowledge come together to do effective science?
Cultural, scientific, and environmental perspectives on death
How do Americans and other cultural groups interact with death and corpses, and why in those ways? How are cultural deathways reflected by environmental perspectives?
Dec 2013
B.S. Anthropology
University of Idaho
Academic Certificate, Diversity & Stratification