I am a population and community biologist focusing on plant invasion, restoration ecology, urban community ecology, and effective teaching and mentoring. My research interests include the spread and spatial dynamics of invasive species, which is often driven by human activities, and the interactions and associations of invasive plants. In our lab, we frequently focus on ecological restoration in collaboration with land managers. I use a variety of methods in my research, including synthesizing field experiments and mathematical modeling. Some of my work is focused on public outreach, such as my work as a board member and Research Chair of the Ohio Invasive Plants Council.

My teaching interests include building scientific skills in the classroom, especially scientific thinking, communication and quantitative skills, and working closely with students to develop these skills. At CSU, I currently co-teach introductory biology and graduate biostatistics, as well as mentor research students in my lab. Some of my scholarly interests are related to effective teaching in higher education. As a postdoc,I received training from the Faculty Institutes for Reforming Science Teaching IV (FIRST IV) program, funded by the National Science Foundation. I was later invited to join the leadership team of FIRST IV, and I helped train the next cohort of postdocs as a Regional Team Leader. I have been recognized nationally for my engagement with teaching with as a National Academies Education Fellow in the Life Sciences and three times as an Education Scholar by the Ecological Society of America. Some of my recent teaching interests include the BioGraphI Project, focused on building graph interpretation skills while also connecting students to the scientific and personal journeys of scientists, as well as the Student Experience Project, aimed at building student connections.