Science Education
SEEDS Mentor
I provided an undergraduate in the SEEDS (Strategies For Ecology Education, Diversity And Sustainability) Program advice on how to navigate the Annual Ecological Society of America Meeting, an academic conference with more than 900 participants. We also explored the student's interest in attending graduate school. KidsU: Vertebrate Biology I was a co-instructor for a week-long summer "day camp" at UTK that taught children (grades 4-7) how to identify and organize vertebrate diversity based upon an animal's appearance, movement, food, and habitat. Darwin Day Tennessee I served as the program coordinator for two years and as a volunteer for four years for this organization that hosts annual events to promote science education, and to highlight the progress of evolutionary biology research. EEB Grads Mentoring Undergrads I originated and participate in this program that offers undergraduates majoring in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology to be paired with a graduate student mentor. Boo at the Zoo Since 2011 I have volunteered to educate children on the biology and importance of bats at the Knoxville Zoo's annual halloween event. Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Since 2010 I have co-lead the Bat Walk during this annual event to acquaint visitors with fauna in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. In 2011 I also organized an invasive species exhibit in the event conference room. Year of the Bat In conjunction with the 2012 International Year of the Bat celebration, I organized an event at UTK to educate students about the important role of bats in our ecosystem. Guest Speaker I have volunteered to present my research interests and host activities for students of the Cedar Bluff Middle School Science Club, Sunbright School Science Club, and Farragut High School Honors Science Group. |
Science Issues Advocacy
Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition
I met with members of Congress to discuss the importance of federal support for biological research and education, especially to the National Science Foundation. This program is an annual event, co-chaired by the American Institute of Biological Sciences, the Ecological Society of America, and other organizations. Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits I met with State Senator Richard Briggs (TN District 7) to urge him to support local groups and propose legislation that will halt the spread of invasive species in Tennessee. We also discussed the role of sound science in advising policy and the importance of state funding for scientific research. This activity was sponsored by the American Institute of Biological Sciences. |
Graduate Student Senate
The Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is the student government association that serves as the official voice of graduate students when advising administrators at the University of Tennessee.
During the 2013-2014 academic year I served as my department's representative on the GSS and I was voted Chair of the Committee on Communications & Outreach. For the 2014-2015 academic year I acted as President, residing over 83 senators from across the UTK campus. I also served on the following committees to ensure that the needs of graduate students are being met across campus: Academic Policy Committee, Academic Review Board, Commission for Women, Faculty Senate Graduate Council, Graduate Student Appreciation Committee, Student Life Council. |
Other
Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation
Since May 2015, I have interned with the Regional Director of External Affairs to plan and implement public outreach that promotes environmental stewardship. Southeastern Bat Diversity Network Bat Blitz Beginning in 2010, I have participated in three bat surveys hosted by the SBDN. Workshop on Women's Leadership & Empowerment In 2013 I co-organized an event where participants shared experiences and lent support to women who have encountered gender discrimination at work. |