About Me

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 (200+ local wineries to date).

I got my start in computer science there during a summer internship for young women in science (YWiS) at Pacific Northwest National Lab. This was my first experience with computer programming and sparked a desire to advance science and engineering in this field.

In 2008, I moved to Montana for 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 returned to my northern roots and currently reside in central New York.

In my infinite free time, I enjoy 3D printing, crafting, and reading, as well as building and refinishing furniture. I share my home with my husband and four unbelievably spoiled and beloved cats, whose names (Benny, Frankie, Mila, and Salem) frequently appear as variables in my class code.