I assess emerging fire management strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the permafrost and boreal ecosystems of interior Alaska. Not only do these strategies have the potential to be an important natural climate solution, but they also have implications for remote and Indigenous communities in Alaska who are facing economic and societal impacts of wildfires.
I am a forest and ecosystem ecologist who has devoted my career to seeking innovative and science-driven solutions to climate change that meet intersectional goals of emission reductions and environmental justice. My focus on Arctic and boreal ecosystems is motivated by the fact that they are some of the most vulnerable yet understudied ecosystems on the planet. Working with a team of scientists, Indigenous communities, and fire managers, my goal is to demonstrate that greater investment in science-driven fire management in these regions is crucial in our fight against climate change.
My past research focused on how disturbances, such as insects and fire, shape ecosystem function and carbon storage. I am passionate about exploring mechanisms that drive stability and recovery from disturbance across different landscapes and biomes in North America, in order to better manage more resilient ecosystems and communities.
I love to explore the natural world both professionally and personally. In my free time, I love to travel, hike, rock climb, and spend lots of time outdoors.
