Bio
I’m originally from New Zealand, and I recently completed my PhD in Entomology at Penn State. I am fascinated by complex interactions in ecosystems among plants, insects that eat plants, and the enemies of these insects. For my PhD research, I studied the enemies of caterpillars, which include parasitoid wasps and caterpillar-killing viruses, and how they affect crop plants. During my career as a graduate student, I also took opportunities to get involved in science outreach and learn about science writing, which led me to pursue a career in science communication. This career excites me because it combines my interests of science, writing, and outreach and contributes to the important goal of improving public understanding of science. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, traveling, and hanging out with my pet blue death-feigning beetles. I am really grateful to AAAS for this opportunity, and I’m thrilled to spend my summer writing for Voice of America!
