Research:
I currently have two main projects – my natural science work is on mycorrhizal networks and the dynamics of plant defense-signal transfer across ectomycorrhizal networks. My other project is a science communication study for which I co-created and evaluated in-classroom an action-based computer game called Shroomroot about plant nutrition and mycorrhizae (shroomroot.com, requires Firefox or Safari). In general I’m interested in complex systems, and one of my favourites is the complex system of teaching and learning (with a focus on natural science content).
Bio:
I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where I learned that there was a beautiful diversity of desert types but I was under the impression that all forests were the same. Now I’ve learned there’s a beautiful diversity of all biomes. I love fusing science and art where possible, and I think these two pursuits of truth have a lot in common. I feel like including some tangible little thought, so here’s one: I try to remember that the same way we build theories and assumptions about the natural world we do for each other- and that it’s always good to re-evaluate our theories and assumptions about the people around us and “re-meet” each other every once and a while.