ABOUT ME
I am an animal behaviorist and physiologist who studies how animals interact with their environments. I am also an active science communicator, who has collaborated with TED-ED on the creation of science lessons, participated in YouTube shows and podcasts, and has been featured on The Science Channel. My goal is to make science accessible and exciting for people at all education levels.
Books
QUEENS OF THE JUNGLE
Male lions are often referred to as the “Kings of the Jungle” because they are thought to be the strongest, bravest, and fiercest animals in the world. This is a myth. In fact, it’s the lionesses that are out hunting together and taking down large animals to feed their entire pack, including the males!
In this illustrated animal book, filled with fun facts and incredible artwork from Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong, readers will be inspired by other examples of girls getting it done. They’ll meet orca grandmothers who are in command of their pods, sex-changing clownfish, and backflipping female ants. They’ll be stunned by the female blanket octopus, who is 80 times bigger than the males of the species, and be left gobsmacked by an entirely female species of lizard!
Will be available May 7, 2024! Pre-order Here!
HORSES (A DAY IN THE LIFE)
Race across prairies to follow the lives of horses and ponies as they whinny, neigh, and play their way through their day. Biology professor and horse owner Carly Anne York tells the story of the wild horses in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations perfect for future biologists. Witness incredible moments including:
• A brumby searching for a drink in the Australian outback
• Przewalski's horses exploring an abandoned city
• Zebras avoiding predators in the African savanna
Beautifully illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat and packed with animal facts, Horses (A Day in the Life) is a perfect book for horse-mad kids.
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SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
WHAT ON EARTH? SEASON 7
The Science Channel
I was a contributor as a scientist on the next season of The Science Channel's most popular show, What On Earth?
LUNCHTIME DISCOVERY SERIES
NC Museum of Natural Science
In this talk, I discussed how squid’s extraordinary senses help them to detect and respond to an approaching predator, as well as how this research can be applied to an invasive species in North Carolina. You can watch here!
FACTS MACHINE PODCAST
Podcast
I joined the team at Facts Machine for an exciting conversation about animal romances. You can listen here!
TWO DAVES AND A DOC
Podcast
Here I talk about my curvy path through graduate school and why I think it's so important that we make science an accessible and inclusive discipline. You can listen here!
SCIENCE CAFÉ
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
I spoke about the amazing world of squid sensory systems, and how they avoid their predators to a virtual room of science interested people. You can watch the episode here!
SKYPE A SCIENTIST
Non-profit Organization
I am available to talk with families or classrooms about my area of biology through the non-profit organization Skype A Scientist. You can sign up for a session here!
SKYPE A SCIENTIST LIVE
Non-profit Organization
I have been a guest scientist on the Skype A Scientist LIVE sessions discussing squid sensory biology. You can watch that episode here!
THE SUNDAY TALKS
YouTube Podcast
I was a guest scientist on The Sunday Talks where I presented "Ink or Swim: How Squid Evade Predators". You can watch the episode here!
THE DINOSAUR SHOW WITH DUSTIN GROWICK
YouTube Show
I have been a guest scientist on The Dinosaur Show with Dustin Growick discussing dinosaur biomechanics. You can watch that episode here!
EDUCATION
PH.D. IN ECOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Old Dominion University, Norfolk VA
Dissertation: Anti-predator responses of squid throughout ontogeny
2011Â - 2016
M.S. IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
2009-2011
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green KY
Thesis: The relationship of dominance, reproductive state and stress in a non-cooperative breeder, the domestic horse (Equus caballus)
B.S. IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Elon University, Burlington NC
2004-2008
RESEARCH PROJECTS
SENSORY PHYSIOLOGY OF AFRICAN CLAWED FROGS
Lenoir-Rhyne University
COLLABORATIVE ZOO RESEARCH
North Carolina Zoo
I am currently mentoring several student projects at the NC Zoo, including behavioral studies on their chimpanzee troops and the introduction of a new elephant bull to the established herd. You can read about these projects below!
The African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis), is an aquatic frog that is has been widely used in biomedical research for decades. The developmental physiology of this animal is extremely well established, however little research has been done to apply our knowledge to their behavioral ecology. Xenopus is native to Africa, though it is currently invasive world-wide, including in North Carolina. Studying the behavioral physiology of these animals could be valuable in understanding their ecological impact as an invasive species. You can read more about this project below!
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SQUID ANTI-PREDATOR BEHAVIOR THROUGH ONTOGENY
Old Dominion University
For a component of my Ph.D work, my goal was to (1) document how chromatic patterning, posturing and inking in squid change in response to predators throughout ontogeny and (2) measure kinematic variables associated with squid-predator interactions to better understand the behavioral cues that trigger anti-predator responses.
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USE OF SENSORY MODALITIES IN SQUID PREDATOR EVASION
Old Dominion University
In addition to their complex visual system, squid also have a lateral line analogue that resembles the lateral line system of fishes. The goal of this study was to examine the role of the lateral line analogue and vision in successful predator evasion throughout multiple life stages of squid.
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Lolliguncula brevis. Journal of Experimental Biology, 217, 2437-2439
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HYDRODYNAMICS OF SQUID ESCAPE JETS
Old Dominion University
The escape response of squids is largely driven by jet propulsion, which is produced by the rapid expulsion of water from the mantle cavity through a funnel aperture. In this study we expand upon our knowledge of squid locomotive modes by focusing on high velocity escape responses throughout ontogeny.
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EQUINE SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Western Kentucky University
I studied equine social behavior and stress physiology, specifically looking at how stress load changes throughout the dominance hierarchy and in various reproductive states.
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SCIENCE ACTIVISM
Chapter of SEEDS ESA
I am the creator and faculty advisor for SEEDS of Lenoir-Rhyne, an official chapter of the Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability program of the Ecological Society of America. The purpose of the Lenoir-Rhyne University chapter of SEEDS is to encourage student interest in environmentalism and ecology while providing a supportive community for students underrepresented in ecological fields of biology.
100 SIGNS EVENT
Inspired by a New York Time's article that listed one hundred environmental rollback's made under the Trump Administration, students created a sign for each rollback and posted them on our university's quad.
SEEDS OF SUSTAINABILITY SERIES
This is a series of talks and workshops were students learn skills to help live more sustainable lives.
SEEDS OF CHANGE SERIES
This is a series of talks and workshops dedicated to providing a platform for minorities in STEM fields.
