Extension & Outreach

While my primary role is research and teaching, I am deeply committed to outreach that connects science with communities and inspires the next generation. I actively contribute to the 4-H Forest Ecology Program, a statewide initiative that brings youth from across Florida to the Austin Cary Forest twice a year—first for the training clinic and later for the state contest.

I help lead the following stations and support event operations:

• Compass & Map — hands-on navigation and field orientation skills
• Ecosystems & Management — forest ecology concepts and management principles
• Event logistics and contest scoring to ensure a smooth, educational experience

Beyond 4-H, I engage with local K–12 schools in Gainesville to spark curiosity about science and the natural world. For example, during Science Day at the Millhopper Montessori School, I introduced kindergarten and first-grade students to Florida’s wildlife using storytelling, visual aids, and interactive Q&A to make learning memorable and fun.

These outreach activities foster environmental literacy among young learners and strengthen community connections to Florida’s forests and ecosystems.