Biography
I'm an associate professor of biology in the Science & Mathematics department at 51社区 and an adjunct scientist at Chicago's own Lincoln Park Zoo. My research focuses on the endocrinological basis of the evolution of animal behavior and species conservation. I investigate the role of hormones and behavior in the conservation of endangered species, including those housed at zoological institutions and wild populations native to the Chicagoland area. My current research aims to assess species diversity of native pollinators in Chicago's urban gardens and green spaces. I hold a B.A. in Biological Sciences from Knox College, a M.S. in Biological Sciences from Loyola University Chicago, a M.S./Ph.D. in the Committee on Evolutionary Biology from the University of Chicago, and I completed a post-doc in the Lincoln Park Zoo's Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology, part of the Conservation and Science Department.
Instructional Areas
Animal behavior, evolution & sexual selection, general biology, environmental science, ecology, research methods (application of biology), intersections between science & art (collaborative courses)
Creative Practice and Research Interests
Evolution of animal social behavior (parental care, social hierarchies), behavioral endocrinology, environmental enrichment of zoo-housed populations, conservation of native pollinator species in the Chicagoland area, assessment of teaching at the college level, intersections between science & art (collaborative research projects)
Degrees
B.S., Biology/Environmental Science Knox College 2002
M.S., Biology Loyola University Chicago 2004
Ph.D., Evolutionary Biology University of Chicago 2010
M.S., Evolutionary Biology University of Chicago 2010