Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program:
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Growing up in central Pennsylvania, I spent most of my childhood exploring the ridges and valleys of the Appalachians. I was fascinated with wildlife and tried to learn anything I could about the plants and animals that I encountered. Consequently, it was a natural fit for me to pursue a career in wildlife. I began by attending Juniata College, where I received a bachelor's degree in Ecology and Environmental Science. While at Juniata, I conducted research on the nesting ecology of map turtles, and my passion for scientific research and wildlife conservation was formed. After graduation, I worked as a nongame biologist for 4 years with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, where I conducted research on the desert tortoise, Sonoran tiger salamander, and Kanab ambersnail. In 2006, I returned to PA to work as a private consultant performing research on bat migration and habitat use, as well as to administer presence/absence surveys in relation to wind energy development. In 2008, I began working for the PA Game Commission trapping, tagging, and radio-tracking white-tailed deer. I began my graduate studies at Penn State in the spring of 2010. My thesis research topic is female dispersal patterns in white-tailed deer. I am also currently a Wildlife Diversity Biologist with the PA Game Commission. I still get the same thrill out of being outdoors and learning about wildlife but now I enjoy sharing those experiences with my wife, one-year-old daughter, and our energetic chocolate...