ABOUT ME
Research
I'm a PhD candidate in economics at the University of Wyoming, where I specialize in natural resource and environmental economics. I have two main research interests: (1) informing the management of multi-use wildlife species using dynamic bioeconomic models and (2) eliciting people's values for resources by designing, implementing, and analyzing nonmarket valuation surveys. I have applied both of these interests to a particularly important resource: grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which are currently listed as a “threatened” species under the Endangered Species Act. My natural resource interests stem from an interdisciplinary background: I've received a B.S. in biology, a B.S. in economics, and an M.S. in economics and environment and natural resources. On the side, I do behavioral economics research on people's pain of paying using partner-earned money.
Teaching
I'm passionate about teaching in a way that encourages "deep learning." To help accomplish this goal, I constantly try to incorporate technology in the classroom. I've taught a large on-campus principles of microeconomics course. I've also designed and taught a couple of online courses from the ground up, including principles of microeconomics and a class that teaches important microeconomic principles to non-economics majors.
Hobbies
In my free time, I love spending time outside and being active. Soccer and tennis top the list, but I also enjoy a good hike with a view. I get a thrill from exploring new places, which I've been doing frequently since moving to Southern California. My past travels have taken me abroad, and I'm lucky to have family in both South America and Europe. When I'm not outside, I enjoy trying new foods, keeping up with the Premier League, and volunteering as a crisis counselor.