Bio

I grew up in Plainwell, MI and received my undergraduate degree from Kalamazoo College in 2003, where I studied Biology and English writing. I also attended the University of Nairobi during my Junior year for six months. In 2008 I received my Master of Science from the University of Washington, where I used aerial LiDAR to estimate Leaf Area Index. I'm currently a member of the first Bioenergy IGERT and in the first year of my PhD program at the University of Washington's College of Forest Resources.

Research Area

I'm interested in structure, both in the vertical and horizontal dimensions, of dry forests in the Intermountain West. I am currently working on object based methods to extract stem density and pattern from aerial LiDAR, and the application of these results to help quantify ecological integrity. I'm also working on utilizing terrestrial LiDAR to examine the effects of grazing and fire on forest regeneration and structure.

Professional Affiliations

• Treasurer, UW Geospatial Club
• Member, American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
• IGERT Fellow, Bioresource Based Energy for Sustainable Socities

Academic Advisor: Dr. L. Monika Moskal