Public Outreach and Service

Public outreach is one of the most important parts of being a scientist. Engaging people of all ages, identities, and backgrounds in scientific learning is absolutely critical to the future of our society and planet.

PBS Reno Feature

Recently, I was featured on PBS Reno's Wild Nevada television series in the "Fall Color Tour" Episode 813. Click here to view.

Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance

I am heavily involved in my local Audubon chapter, Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance (NNBA), formerly Lahontan Audubon Society, as the Vice President, Field Trip Committee Chair, and Chair of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Committee. Since July 2022, I have volunteered >800 hours of service with NNBA. My work with NNBA has been featured in the National Audubon magazine Audubon, in the Reno News and Review, and the KOLO 8 morning news. Articles featuring my work:

As the Christmas Bird Count Turns 125, a Beloved Birding Tradition Looks to the FutureWith more people than ever taking part, the annual Audubon event is a growing force for science and nature conservation.

Bird’s the word: Tundra swans flock to a Lemmon Valley wetland in winterThe tundra swans that swoop into town for winter are a magnet for birders—including kids and beginners—and an indicator of the health of local wetlands.

Field Trips

In addition to regular field trips, I lead audible bird walks for members of the National Federation of the Blind Nevada Chapter

I am passionate about promoting equity and diversity in birding and the outdoors. Since November 2024, I have led monthly Let's Go Birding Together (LGBT) walks that specifically welcome members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. These walks are a way to build community and create a welcoming space for people who may not feel they belong in traditional birding groups. We end our bird walks with a trash cleanup in partnership with River Justice, an indigenous-led movement to keep the Truckee River Watershed clean.

Let's Go Birding Together community walk at Mayberry Park, Reno, NV.

Workshops

I organize and lead bird identification workshops at the University of Nevada, Reno Museum of Natural History for members of the public using museum skins and taxidermy mounts.

Preparing new participants for the Christmas Bird Count with a bird identification workshop.

Teaching an Introduction to Birding class for the Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance.

Recording of a shorebird identification workshop I led at the University of Nevada, Reno Museum of Natural History for the Great Basin Bird Observatory and NNBA. This workshop was used as training for community science volunteers participating in the Intermountain West Shorebird Survey.

Public Talks

I regularly give public talks about bird ecology and my research to local birding groups and other nonprofit organizations. This video is a presentation I gave about my PhD research for the Great Basin Bird Observatory.

May Arboretum Society

I lead monthly Birds in the Garden birdwatching tours at the May Arboretum at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, NV. During these walks, I teach beginner birders how to use binoculars and identify birds, and about the basic life history of native bird species. I also advocate for the continued protection of green spaces.

Honest Scientists Podcast Series

In Fall 2022, I created, wrote, and recorded 11 episodes for a podcast series on biodiversity loss with 3 other graduate students from the University of Nevada, Reno. We researched biodiversity loss topics and presented scientific ideas and recent research in a digestible way for the general public. Episodes were aired on local radio station KWNK in Spring 2023 and can be accessed on Spotify here.

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