Tell us a bit about your background - where are you from and where did you study?

I grew up in Mount Pleasant, SC and went to Eckerd College to study Environmental Studies, Anthropology and Sustainability.

How about any hobbies or favorite things to do?

Recently I've been paddle-birding quite a bit now that I am back home in SC. I also love photography, so I really enjoy using my skills with that while I am birding.

What got you interested in birds?

I really only became interested in birds in college, just because it was nearly impossible to not notice them. Eckerd College is situated on Florida's gulf coast, so there's fantastic birding there. My senior year I was lucky enough to live in a dorm with a view of a pond and the bay beyond the pond. After waking up to see Roseate Spoonbills and Green Herons from my bed I was pretty much hooked.

Do you have a spark bird story?

I don't think I have a specific spark bird or even wildlife moment. I've always been passionate about the environment and birding just came pretty gradually and naturally from that aspect of my life.

What have you done so far working at Beidler?

So far, I have participated in a few burns (and maintaining firebreaks), painted lots of boundary line, assisted in maintaining roads and paths and patrolled the swamp (looking for signs of hog activity mostly).

Is there anything about this position that you are looking forward to in the upcoming future?

I'm looking forward to learning how to run all machinery at our disposal, getting my certification to be a prescribed burn manager, and more immediately, spring in the swamp!