Heal the Earth.
Heal the Water.
Heal the People.
I am an ecohydrologist currently working as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Tennessee's Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment. My research skills specialize in management of big data and applications of source tracking techniques to watershed monitoring and management. Major research interests include urban-forest microbiome, landscape transport phenomena, and implications of climate change on nutrient pollutant transport and uptake mechanisms.
Whether leading Girl Scouts on backpacking trips, mountain biking, herb foraging, or creek splashing, I spend much of my recreational time in the beautiful mountains and valleys of Appalachia. My work is motivated by the vision of a thriving community-cultivated ecology, and aims to integrate a decolonization framework to the way science approaches watershed management for a harmonized and climate-resilient world.
Education
Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering
August 2018 - January 2024
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Tennessee Fellowship for Graduate Student Excellence recipient
Dissertation Topic: Urban Ecohydrology and the Watershed Microbial Continuum
Advisor: Dr. Jon M. Hathaway
Bachelor of Science and Engineering (Environmental)
August 2015 – May 2018
Mercer University, Macon, GA
Presidential Scholar, Cum Laude and University Honors
Minor in Engineering for Development
Research Appointments
Postdoctoral Research Associate
January 2024 - Current
Institute for a Secure & Sustainable Environment; University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Comprehensive management and implementation of a groundbreaking $2.6 million project aimed at installing gravel tree planters in an underserved neighborhood
Develop and execute public education and workforce development initiatives, enhancing community awareness of urban forestry and its broader implications.
Actively contribute to grant proposal efforts, demonstrating expertise in articulating project objectives, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes
Publish research findings in reputable journals and share at professional and academic conferences
Supervise and guide the research objectives of both graduate and undergraduate researchers
Graduate Research Assistant
Aug 2018 – January 2024
Hathaway Research Group; University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
HRG Research group is focused on urban stormwater management and green infrastructure (GI), providing extensive exposure to GI research, design, and installation
Personal responsibilities included maintenance of 7 stream gage stations, lab safety manager, and lead graduate mentor for 4 undergraduate researchers
My research dissertation included a 2-year hydrologic monitoring and modeling study, collecting over 500 samples for 6 different water quality assays, and geospatial analysis
Investigated geospatial & seasonal trends in nitrate sources and microbial community structure in a heterogeneous urban watershed
Undergraduate Research Intern
Aug 2016 – May 2018
Gray Water Treatment System Research; Mercer University, Macon, GA
Research purpose includes reevaluating existing NSF International gray water reuse regulations using environmental engineering water quality monitoring techniques
Assembled and led an interdisciplinary team that earned EPA P3 Award & funding
Air Quality Summer Research Intern
June 2017 – Aug 2017
Environmental Health Research Experience Program; University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Conducted a pilot study on indoor particulate matter air pollution's impact on respiratory health, addressing exposure factors and symptoms.
Mercer on Mission – Environmental Implications of ASGM
May 2017 - June 2017
Mercer University, Macon, GA & Zaruma, Ecuador
Investigated environmental and public health effects of mercury use in artisan small-scale gold mining and tested a mercury aerosol recapture system
How I balance my time
Cohutta Overlook, Ellijay, GA
Backpacking with the Girl Scouts, Big South Fork, May 2021
Herbalism
I have been lovingly practicing herbalism / folk medicine for about 7 years. I began providing herbal support to my community and communities in need during the pandemic in 2020. My practice is inspired by my commitment to food and medicine autonomy, rematriation of culture, and harmonic health for all beings. This practice has me looking to identify medicinal and edible plants on my walks in the woods, as well as saving and scattering seeds. I also love to cook and incorporate medicinal plants into my cuisine.
Outdoors Enthusiast
I am an outdoor enthusiast with a variety of interests including backpacking, mountain biking, snowboarding, trail running, white water kayaking, and climbing. Many of my favorite memories involve being covered in dirt on top of a mountain. I now share this love with the upcoming generation through Girl Scouts of America.
Yoga Practice
I have been practicing yoga since I was 16 (over 10 years now). My practice has brought a sense of balance to the mindset with which I approach all things in life.
Pleurotrus ostreatus
Ganoderma lingzi
Laetporus sulphereous
Some books that I must recommend...
Spiritual Ecology by Jim Nolan
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Ecology of Justice by Raj Patel and Rupa Mayra
Three Cups of Tea by David Oliver Relin and Greg Mortenson
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
