As a teacher I am interested in helping students acquire the background and skills necessary to work in biology.  In addition to teaching several classes, I work with individual students through directed readings and collaborative research projects.

As a researcher I am interested in observing changes in ecosystems that occur over time spans too long for humans to observe.   I examine the ways in which historical events and processes have influenced the distribution, structure, and composition of modern ecological communities. I am also documenting the plant diversity in northeastern Iowa to aid in the protection of rare native plant species. 

I am dedicated to protecting and restoring the ecological heritage of northeastern Iowa. When I am not in the classroom or working on research, it is likely that you will find me working on land stewardship projects at Luther College, in Decorah city parks, state and county preserves, and at Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm. You can read more about my thoughts about land stewardship in Ecological Restoration: Making Space for the Wild.