About

My inspiration to work in the sustainability field stems from my time in the Adirondack Mountains with my family during my childhood. This is where my appreciation for nature and the environment bloomed. Along with this experience, high school courses led me to be interested in biology and ecology, which led me to the fields of environmental science and sustainability.

BU Highlights

I am a professor in the Department of Earth & Environment, where my courses explore what sustainability is and what it means for individuals, businesses, and decision-makers. To understand the meaning of sustainability, I explore different disciplines, particularly ecology, environmental sciences, and economics, to help students understand the vast connections between society and the environment.

I also run the project Visualizing Energy, which is a science communication platform that uses energy to visualize, understand, and communicate the inner connections between energy use and well-being, as well as the health of natural systems. Visualizing Energy is a web-based resource that uses data visualization and accompanying stories that are written in accessible language to allow a broad audience to understand the environmental issues we face.

Outside of BU

I was involved in the athletic programs in the town of Arlington, as my kids were involved in lacrosse, soccer, basketball, and many other various sports! Thus, I became involved in coaching and running a lot of community athletic programs in Arlington. In my spare time, I spend a lot of time gardening and building a pollinator-friendly mini ecosystem.

Advice for BU Students

I encourage current students to look at where our alumni have gone and what they’re doing. Through this, students can find tremendous opportunities where they can make a measurable difference in what’s happening in the world.