I am a soil biogeochemist and ecosystems ecologist focused on global environmental change. I am passionate about how climate, physiology, and plant-microbe interactions set the stage for elemental cycling on Earth. I use an interdisciplinary suite of tools from microbial ecology, stable isotope mass spectrometry,  and plant ecophysiology, and more, to address these questions. 

Research

current projects

California oak/mycorrhizae ecophysiology

biogeochemistry of microbes in the atmosphere

rhizosphere microbial ecology and global change

water quality and colonial planning in Jakarta, Indonesia

addressing ecological crisis through accessible science education

Curiosity and connection are the basis for understanding and action. As the environmental scientist/educator at the Exploratorium museum, I am dedicated to making high-quality science education accessible to classroom teachers and the public. 

a model for inclusive science.

Systematic barriers to entry keep many people outside of science. To overcome these barriers, I co-founded the first student-led effort to recruit underrepresented minority students to science graduate programs at an Ivy League university. Through collaboration with other graduate students, faculty, and administrators, Cornell Diversity Preview Weekend has brought over 150 prospective scholars to Cornell's campus. 

a revolution in science culture. 

A beautiful conversation between me and Ayana Young on her popular environment-centered podcast For the Wild​. Download the episode wherever you get your podcasts.