"I am a 4th year PhD Candidate in the Soft Earth Dynamics Lab at the University of Pennsylvania studying experimental geophysics and geomorphology. Specifically, I am interested in the rheology (the behavior of a material as it deforms or flows) of ice-debris mixtures and permafrost, and the mechanical controls related to the strength of "soft solids", like soil. I probe these materials in unique ways by using robotics, and extend my lab findings to really cool landscapes in the field. I graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a BA in Geosciences and Business.

I have had the privilege of teaching both undergraduate and graduate students in geoscience-related fields. While an undergraduate at Franklin & Marshall, I assisted instruction in multiple classes as a Teaching Assistant (TA), including Introduction to Environmental Science, Introductory Geology, and my personal favorite, Geomorphology. During my graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, I have also served as a TA, leading recitations for Introduction to Environmental Science twice. More recently, I was chosen as the instructor for Sedimentology & Stratigraphy while my advisor was on sabbatical, where I wrote and delivered lecture material, exam content, weekly labs, and led field trips that highlighted application of the course concepts. In the Spring of 2024, I will be the TA for Penn's Engineering in the Environment course.

During my educational journey in college and graduate school, I have been fortunate enough to teach/tutor in tandem with my own studies. This has reflected in an enriched academic environment where I am able to collaborate with and teach a vast age range of students, not only in the classroom environment, but extended to the field and lab. Through this sort of pedagogy, I have been able to apply my experiences to my teachings. I believe science should be accessible for all audiences, and therefore science communication and how information is delivered is of the utmost importance." less...