I am originally from the Tri-Cities, located in the heart of a shrub-steppe region in southeastern Washington State. Distinct from the evergreen mountains of the west, my hometown is known for its 300 days of sunshine and burgeoning vineyards (26 local wineries to date).
I got my start in computer science there while participating in a summer internship for young women in science (YWiS) at Pacific Northwest National Lab. This was my first experience with computer programming and awakened a desire to pursue the advancement of science and engineering in this area.
In 2008, I moved to Montana to pursue my undergraduate degree. This must have awakened a previously unknown craving for mountains since I eventually relocated to Colorado for graduate school in 2013. In 2016 I followed my advisor to Florida to complete my Ph.D. in the Human-Centered Computing program at the University of Florida. I’ve finally begun to return to the north with a recent move to New York.
I spent my free time in Florida learning to play roller derby with the Gainesville Roller Rebels, and am still their resident webmaster. For the rest of my free time, I enjoy crafts and baking, as well as building and refinishing furniture. I share my home with a feisty leopard gecko named Alex who loves nothing more than naps and failed escape plans, and two cats (Frankie and Mila) who dream of chasing Alex around the house.