Teaching

Teaching and mentorship have been an incredibly important part of my academic career. I’ve taught eight college-level geology courses, and have been a mathematics substitute teacher for grades 2 through 8. I have also been a research mentor for two incredible undergrads!

College-Level Courses Taught:

  • Intro to Geology
  • Intro to Environmental Science
  • Intro to Planetary Science
  • Physical Geology
  • Historical Geology
  • Geomorphology
  • Remote Sensing

In addition to lecturing in the classroom, I have led classes in the laboratory and field, and have helped photograph and process teaching samples (rocks and fossils) critical for increasing accessibility of geology courses during semesters impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. You can check them out here!

One of my most rewarding experiences was as a teaching fellow for the National Education Equity Lab. This program brings college-level courses to Title I high schools in the United States, promoting the philosophy that “Talent is evenly distributed, opportunity is not”.

Service

I am currently serving as a Student Advisory Member for the Planetary Geology Division at the Geological Society of America. My goal is to help the PGD make resource guides for planetary-related scholarships, grants, and internships, all while connecting early career scientists in our field.

I’m always keeping busy! Other service roles I have taken on include being a committee member for the Mars 2020 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group and VEXAG Venus Geologic Mapping Science Analysis Working Group.

When I’m not presenting at conferences, I have been found doing many fun side quests, including (but not limited to):

  • Moderating a session (54th LPSC)
  • Session chair (10th Mars)
  • Organizing the Venus Mixer (54th and 55th LPSC)
  • Scribing (Venus Surface and Atmosphere)
  • Geology Integration Team Lead (10th Mars)
  • Haiku Contest Judge (LPSC)

Outreach

As a remote sensing scientist, I have built a unique set of skills that can be used to help create datasets for humanitarian organizations and crisis response. Pictured here is an event I helped organize as the President of Geneseo’s Geology Club. With over 60 attendees, we taught the skills necessary to map places prone to wildfires in Lithuania so rescue teams could easily find residential areas for rescue operations.

I have worked to help create safe spaces for young women and girls to explore their interest in science. As a counselor for the Girls in Science Summer Camp at MacDonough Elementary School in Middletown, CT, I worked with girls in grades 4 through 6 for a week-long science-themed summer camp. I also served as a mentor to undergrads in Wesleyan’s Women in STEM program.

As an outreach coordinator for EAPS, I encourage K-12 participation in STEM at Purdue. As the planetary science representative, I am working with the other coordinators to help plan age-appropriate science activities for Purdue’s Spring Fest and Earth Day events.

I recognize how much of a privilege it is to be a member of the Mars 2020 rover team and NASA intern, and I never turn down the opportunity to share what I’ve learned with my community. I love doing outreach with all age groups, and have given talks and run activities at schools, libraries, and even as a virtual guest speaker!

Being awarded a Zonta Amelia Earhart Fellowship this past year has been an incredible honor. I hope to continue Amelia’s legacy in inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM and Zonta’s mission to support women’s rights, through my involvement in K-12 outreach at Purdue and as a children’s advocate volunteer at the Greater Lafayette’s YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program. Working with the children at the YWCA has been a highlight of my time living in Indiana, and I will continue to look for more opportunities to serve the local community!