Contributing to Diversity through outreach

My commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in geosciences is a cornerstone of my academic and professional journey. The majority of my ongoing engagement in DEI initiatives is focused on outreach work to engage local communities and young learners with the geosciences.  

• Sierra Nevada Journeys Stem nights  2021-present

I am currently collaborating with Sierra Nevada Journeys (a Reno-area 501(c)3 non-profit). Working with SNJ I have attended four Family STEM nights at Washoe County public schools this semester. At each STEM night, I deliver educational games and lesson plans, informing students about ongoing science in their community and STEM career paths.

• River wrangles annual snapshot day 2023-present                                      

River Wranglers is a Northern Nevada outreach organization that integrates water quality education into school programs through field experiences. Annually, they host “Snapshot Day,” where middle school students measure water quality at 11 river sites, learning about water discharge and other basic environmental science. I’ve participated in the last two events, teaching students how to take and interpret water quality measurements.

• USGS representative at City of Flagstaff Stem nights for K-12 students 2018-2019

I was a USGS representative at the City of Flagstaff’s K-12 STEM nights from 2018 through 2019. These annual events brought together working STEM professionals and local students.

• Co-founder of Kinsey Kids climbing club  2012-2015

Co-founder of Kinsey Kids climbing club. An outreach program for children in a Title 1 school that was geared towards motivating kids with outdoor activity and teaching them basic geology through the lens of rock climbing.