I am a biology educator and ecological entomologist in Cleveland, Ohio.
My research focuses on understanding and minimizing the impacts of invasive ants. This work includes studying how to maximize the ecosystem services of working landscapes by converting intensive agriculture to native vegetation. I also study how dispersal tradeoffs shape population dynamics, species interactions, and the evolution of life histories.
Throughout my work I strive to combine research with community engagement to find conservation solutions, and have worked with NGOs and indigenous peoples to protect landscapes in Indonesia, Guyana and elsewhere.
Before becoming a biologist I worked as an Arabic linguist. I have maintained my passion for languages, communication, and cultural inclusiveness, and continue to raise awareness and advocate for underrepresented voices.
