I am fascinated by how people relate to water and water relates to people. I study water stewardship, aquatic ecology, and climate change adaptation with interdisciplinary approaches. Specifically, I work on stream and estuary restoration, environmental flows, trade-off analysis, climate change adaptation, and dam removal, particularly in California. Many of my methods are computational, but I am also comfortable incorporating a variety of social science methods, critical theory, and field studies.
I work for the California Department of Water Resources as a Senior Environmental Scientist. I am based in the Division of Multi-Benefit Initiatives, where I work on the science and implementation of the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes program and the provision of instream flows. This website captures the academic and personal side of my work and isn’t a representation of the views of my employer.
I am also wrapping up a PhD in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at the University of California Berkeley. I’m based in the Freshwater Labs, where my colleagues and I work on freshwater science and management, particularly in cooperative extension. My faculty mentor is Dr. Ted Grantham.
Earlier in my PhD program, I held a research position at the Geospatial Innovation Facility, where I worked to make the latest California climate science relevant and usable through tools like Cal-Adapt and the California Adaptation Clearinghouse.
Prior to starting my PhD at Berkeley, I worked on municipal drinking water efficiency projects across the country. I also supported the implementation of recent California laws and executive orders promoting urban water use efficiency by advising state and municipal water management agencies.
Here is my resume.
Education
PhD candidate, Environmental Science, Policy, and Management / University of California Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts, Geology / Macalester College 2014
Semester in the Rocky Mountains / National Outdoor Leadership School 2013
Personal
I’m a part-time running coach! Interested in working with me? Head over to the coaching page to learn more.
I enjoy long-distance running and compete in road and trail races ranging from 5k to 100k. I have a deep, abiding love for the Sierra Nevada and will spend the rest of my life getting to know every nook and cranny of the range. When I’m not moving outside, I consume as much science fiction—books, shows, and movies alike—as I can get my hands on. Some of my recent favorites include Exhalation (Ted Chiang), Foundation (Apple TV+), and Pantheon (Netflix). I also study and practice Buddhism, predominantly in the Soto Zen tradition, which informs my activism, science, and commitment to non-violence and collective liberation.