Scientific peer-reviewed publications are the primary means by which we as scientists add to the collective knowledge of science. However, majority of the public never reads or even knows about these technical manuscripts and are instead often exposed to them via second-hand sources such as the media, the news, and magazines. To better communicate my interests and the results of my research to general public, I find it both incredibly important and rewarding to interact with them directly. My interest in wildlife, biology, and paleontology was solidified especially during my childhood years when visiting museums and hearing scientists speak on their discoveries and what made them excited. I genuinely hope to be able to do the same for the next generation.
Live Appearances on TV - PBS. Multiple (and continuing) appearance on PBS shows centered around bird evolution, dinosaurs, and David Attenborough programs. Interviewed by hosts on air, discuss recent finds and research, general discussion of ornithology and paleontology.
Visiting Highschool Speaker - Riverside IL. Speaking to multiple classes on the evolution of birds, the significance of Archaeopteryx, and why science is important for how we understand the natural world.
“Field Encounters” Invited Speaker - Chicago IL. Invited lecture series hosted by the Field Museum targeted at communicating recent scientific discoveries to donors and their families.
“Dozin with the Dinos” - Field Museum, Chicago IL. Speaking to and interacting with kids and their parents at species overnight events at the Field Museum. Discussing dinosaur evolution, biomechanics, adaptations, and ecology.
“Member’s Nights” - Field Museum, Chicago IL. Interaction with museum members, giving them a chance to ask myself and my colleagues questions directly about our research and the field more broadly.
Educator Open House - Field Museum, Chicago IL. Interacting with Chicago teachers (elementary - high school) to discuss avenues of better teaching practices concerning ornithology, biology, evolution, and paleontology.
Arc’teryx Birding Tour Leader - Chicago IL. Leading birding tours for the public and local Arc’teryx brand employees. Q&A about bird biology and behavior.
NSF STEM Day - Chicago IL. Discuss with museum visitors the benefits of NSF funding to scientific endeavors - highlighting past expeditions that were NSF-funded such as the Antarctic dinosaur projects.
Private touring - Field Museum, Chicago IL. Guide museum members and donors around the museum as well as off-display collections. Opportunity for the public to ask questions about dinosaurs, evolution, and the museum.
“Dinopalooza” - Field Museum, Chicago IL. Events focused on dinosaurs and the evolution of dinosaurs. Opportunity to interact with the public, particularly kids, about science.
Children’s Morning Science - Field Museum, Chicago IL. Focused on communicating with kids on Tyrannosaurus rex and other dinosaurs. Discussion with parents and helping to facilitate crafts centered around the theme.
Museum After Hours Events - Field Museum, Chicago IL. An open Q&A session with the public centered around the Chicago Archaeopteryx specimen.
Mountaineer Audio Society Invited Speaker - Morgantown WV. Presentation to the general public on the ecology and conservation of native nocturnal birds of the Appalachian regions (emphasis on Eastern whip-poor-will).
Contributing Photographer and Author. Regular contributor of
commissioned multiple-page articles discussing scientific findings and experiences
that are readable for the general public and scientists alike, while keeping scientific integrity at the forefront. Examples of general public publications include: ‘Birdwatching Magazine’, ‘American Bird Conservancy’, ‘Living Bird Magazine’, ‘Hawaii Magazine’, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
