Outreach

I believe, as a scientist, it is fundamental to translate my passion for ecology beyond my own research and outside of traditional means and that reaching the community outside the academic world is equally important as conveying it to our peers. Outreach experiences have provided me with the foundations for effective teaching and have inspired me to help teach the next generation of scientists. During my graduate career, I have been part of or led several outreach activities targeted from young kids to adults such as Darwin day or Bug fest where we shared our research with the community, or a series of science communication lectures through schools in my hometown.Also,I have helped create a permanent exhibit highlighting freshwater mussel diversity that is housed in the University of Alabama Museum of Natural History. The exhibit is multifaceted, with hands on displays of mussel species shells where patrons learn about morphological adaptations, how mussels are aged, and the unique reproductive strategy of freshwater mussels. Historical clothing featuring buttons made from shells is featured to show the importance of mussels to the fashion industry. Informative posters detail their role in provisioning ecosystem services.