Growing up in upstate New York, I developed a deep passion for wildlife and the world around me, especially in regards to amphibians and reptiles. I could usually be found outside finding frogs, newts, snakes, and turtles around my home or watching the deer and birds in the back yard.

I received my B.A. in biology from Hartwick College where I conducted research in the Amphibian Research Laboratory. As an undergraduate, my research focused on cellular proliferation of developing limb and brain structures in larval salamanders, developmental biology, genetics, and biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles. I was also the head curator of the college’s living reptile and amphibian collection and conducted research abroad in Costa Rica and Madagascar.

I have been an avid herpetoculturist for over 15 years having kept 40+ species of herps, using the majority in educational demonstrations. I enjoy anything outdoors and have a great enthusiasm for wildlife photography which has developed through my many adventures in the U.S.A. and abroad. My research interests focus on the developmental biology, genetics, morphology, biodiversity, and conservation of reptiles and amphibians with an emphasis on educating the public.