About

A transplant from Iowa, I attended UMass Amherst and graduated with a BA in political science. Currently, I help create new opportunities for Boston University students to innovate and problem solve in their careers and their communities.

Before joining BU, I was the co-founder of the nationally recognized Greentown Manufacturing Initiative – a unique program that connects startups and manufacturers to promote local commercialization and economic development; and Executive Director of Greentown Learn, the sister organization of Greentown Labs, the largest cleantech hardware incubator in the United States.

In these roles, I served as an advisor to programs developed within the US Department of Energy, US Department of Commerce, NYSERDA, and others. Additional positions include staff at Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, and the offices of State Senator Robert O’Leary and State Senator Dan Wolf, where I held roles ranging from Scheduler to Chief of Staff, and as a consultant for Berkshire Health Systems.

I have a Master’s in Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning from Tufts University with a concentration on electricity markets and policy. I sit on the board of the Political Science Advisory Board at UMass in Amherst in addition to serving as founding co-chair for the Umass Women into Leadership (UWIL) program.

I enjoy traveling, eating, arts & crafts, car dancing, and spending time with my husband and sons in East Boston.

BU Highlights

• Helped launch the Sustainability Seed Grants between sustainability@bu & innovate@bu.
• I oversaw a partnership between innovate@bu, Greentown Labs & ISE where we developed new tools for students to learn about what they can do to participate in combatting climate change.
• I have helped send numerous students to various clean energy/cleantech career & internship fairs.
• I have hosted cleantech open speakers & other speakers at innovate@BU & with the undergrad clean tech club.

Excitement

I think we need to scream from the rooftops of campus with a bullhorn that BU is leading the charge in campus sustainability. We have our own wind farm! How freaking cool is that?! I’m inspired every day by how BU is leading in these efforts & just want to help make sure more people on campus & off know about our awesomeness.

Advice for BU Students

There are so many definitions for getting involved with climate change efforts & sustainability! Have an idea for something new? Come to the BUild Lab & learn how to start something & then apply for a Sustainability Seed Grant (& the Innovation Pathway for even more $$).

Follow BU Sustainability social media because they always have great tips. Come talk to me & let’s figure out what else you need - that’s what I’m here for.