My research interests are in human/environment interactions, sustainability science, and development geographies. My dissertation work is located on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, where I am using participatory methods including participatory mapping to understand how households are impacted by and adapt to environmental degradation and climate change. The research questions how people understand the human role in environmental change and their knowledge and perceptions of development alternatives which increase economic security and environmental stability. The project stresses dialogue and feedback with the community during all phases of research, and will ultimately produce Swahili-language reports for the community, schools and stakeholders.

I came upon this topic during a 7 month internship with the Jane Goodall Institute, in which I worked on Mount Kilimanjaro with community and school groups practicing grassroots conservation and education. I have also served as a Peace Corps volunteer for 2 years in Tanzania, teaching information technology in secondary schools.