PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Public History, Society for the Humanities & the Department of History, Cornell University (2025-2027)

Visiting Assistant Professor, Pratt Institute, Landscape Architecture Program (2024)

education

Ph.D., Department of History, Columbia University (2025)

Research

My research interrogates how “natural” resources, social inequities, and environmental politics have intersected across the twentieth century United States (and elsewhere).

I am particularly interested in understanding how green spaces—whether public parks, urban gardens, or remote “wilderness” areas—have become sites of significant social, political, and environmental history.

I am currently writing my first book project, titled Greenlining: Civil Rights Struggles Over Access to the Outdoors in the United States. This project offers a new interpretation of American civil rights that foregrounds battles for environmental equity as central to the movement.

EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Prior to studying at Columbia, I received a B.A. in American studies (with a minor in photojournalism) from the University of Texas in Austin, and an M.A. in history from Montana State University. After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked for several years as a professional photographer before re-entering the academic world. My photographic work continues to inform my research interests and commitment to multimedia projects.

public history / Digital humanities

I have extensive experience working with museums, curating archival exhibits, creating digital maps, producing podcasts, leading historical walking tours, and writing for popular news outlets. 

My research about past environmental injustices compels me to help make contemporary green spaces more accessible and inviting to diverse public audiences in the present. To this end, I am interested in partnering with public parks, botanical/community gardens, or other outdoor-related organizations.

I believe nuanced information should be accessible to everyone, so I started a podcast called Everyday Environmentalism to share important conversations about urban nature, climate change, and environmentalism with anyone who wants to listen.