Service and Outreach
I view outreach and service as integral to my role as a scientist. My goal is to bridge the gap between research and society, mentor the next generation of scientists, and contribute to inclusive and supportive academic communities. Below are highlights of my professional service, community outreach, and disciplinary engagement.
Professional Service
-
Editorial & Reviewing
– Assistant Features Editor, The Plant Cell (2021–2023)
– Ad hoc reviewer for New Phytologist, The Plant Journal, Plant Physiology, and The Plant Cell -
Leadership & Representation
– Postdoctoral Representative, Action for Justice, Equity, and Diversity Committee (AJED), Duke Biology (2020–2022)
– Postdoctoral Representative, Climate Plant Innovation Center (CPIC), Duke (2022)
– Postdoctoral Representative, Academic Personnel Committee, MSU Plant Research Labs (2019–2020)
– Session Chair & Oral Paper Judge, Botany 2022 -
Professional Development & Networking
– Coordinator, Duke Plant Biology Industry Panel (2022)
– Organizer/Panelist, “Navigating Academia” Professional Development Workshop, Laurier University (2022)
Outreach & Community Engagement
-
K–12 & Community
– Panelist, Episcopal School of Jacksonville Biology Class (2025)
– Panelist, “STEM Success” at Durham Technical Community College (2024)
– Invited speaker, North Carolina Master Gardener Program, Phytotron Research Tour (2024)
– Speaker, Boy Scout Plant Science Merit Badge Event (2016) -
Public Engagement in Science
– UW–Madison Science Expeditions (2012–2018): introduced the public to plant biology through hands-on microscopic imaging demonstrations
– Vilas Travel Award Review Committee (2014): evaluated student proposals for competitive research travel funding
Service to the Discipline
-
Professional Memberships
– American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)
– Botanical Society of America (BSA)
– American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) -
Conference Service
– Session organizer, chair, and judge for Botany 2022 meeting
Commitment
Through these activities, I strive to make plant science accessible to diverse audiences, foster equity and belonging in academia, and contribute to the professional community that has supported me. Outreach and service are not side projects but essential parts of how I practice science.