I am an Interdisciplinary Environmental Geographer. I completed my PhD in Geography with a DE in Computational Social Science from the University of California, Davis. My dissertation examined the role of environmental risk in shaping local governance. I explored these themes across three cases: 1) California drinking water quality management and climate change; 2) unconventional oil and gas drilling (fracking) policy response in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia; and 3) Lake Erie harmful algal bloom management. I use a social-ecological lens in my research and employ mixed methods and analyses.

In my current position at UMN, I help lead projects on governance and advocacy. This includes analyzing formal institutions (rules such as ordinances) around urban nature including civic engagement, enforcement mechanisms and processes, comparing policy to practice, trust and information networks, and advocacy for change.