Moments from Research & Life

I visited the University of Missouri and got to explore their tree ring lab. When they told me they had what they claimed to be the oldest specimen in the world, I was super excited! A 14,000-year-old tree sample, I couldn't believe it.

I couldn't resist asking if I could hold it in my hands. The moment they said yes, I was thrilled! Holding something that's 14,000 years old is incredible, this tree was growing when the Ice Age was ending. Each ring represents a year of growth and tells us about the climate from thousands of years ago.

I had to take pictures of this moment, how often do you get to hold something this ancient? It connects perfectly with my climate research, just on a much longer timescale. These tree rings are like nature's own climate records, and I wanted to share this amazing experience!

I visited the Montreal Insectarium in Montreal, QC, Canada in the fall of 2022. What an incredible place! I highly recommend visiting this place for any insect lovers or explorers. The displays were absolutely fascinating and beautifully designed.

As someone who studies butterflies and insects, I was blown away by their collection and the way they presented everything. You can see so many different species up close, and they have live exhibits that really bring the insect world to life. It's educational but also just pure wonder.

The fall timing was perfect too - Montreal was beautiful that season. If you're ever in the area and have any interest in the natural world, don't miss this gem. It reminded me why I fell in love with studying these amazing creatures in the first place!

I frequently attend the AGU (American Geophysical Union) and AMS (American Meteorological Society) meetings. This was one of those meetings in DC back in 2018. It was great to see colleagues from my alma mater from Jackson School at UT, there's nothing like running into familiar faces at these big conferences!

Here I am standing in front of my poster, which I absolutely despised making and carrying around, but honestly had a blast standing in front of and presenting. The whole poster process is such a love hate relationship, you spend weeks perfecting it, curse at it while trying to fit it in poster tubes, and then actually enjoy the conversations it sparks.

I'm almost certain any poster presenter will understand my pain! Despite all the hassle, these meetings are where science really comes alive through collaboration and discussion.