Overview: I’m interested in: 1) better understanding the tradeoffs we make in our land management decisions so we can be more strategic in our choices; 2) maximizing the services and values we get from managing natural and semi-natural lands (with the understanding that different stakeholders can have different goals); 3) bridging the implementation gap by helping managers better apply current science (often through innovative tech and tools), and by improving communications and outcomes between researchers and land managers; and 4) increasing equity and inclusivity in conservation for both visitors and professionals.My Background: I’ve been fascinated by the great outdoors since I was a kid in Girl Scouts and going camping, hiking, biking and fishing with my family. Helping others connect with nature has been part of my passion since at least my twenties- the connections we get from nature and from each other can be so sustaining, and we must make sure that everyone has equitable access to nature and her benefits.My research questions are fueled by perceptive field observations from on-the-ground land management experience combined with a highly inquisitive mind. These traits put me in a fairly unique position of having one foot in the practitioner world and one foot in academia.Both the academic and the resource management sides require the ability to work as part of a team in many different roles, and I’ve held various roles including team member, board member, chair and direct supervisor. My focus on collaboration, active listening and customized coaching have allowed me to come into challenging supervisory situations and build cohesive teams, even expanding them within a relatively short time frame.