I started my career in the biomedical sciences, earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Clemson University in 1993 and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Vanderbilt University in 1999. Soon after that, I gave in to my passion for environmental and social justice work. In 2001, I honed my organizing skills with Green Corps, the field school for environmental organizing.

However, the most profound lessons I learned over the past 20+ years of advocacy were taught to me by the Tribal members, fishermen, and farmers of the Klamath basin I worked with on the campaign to Un-dam the Klamath and Bring the Salmon Home. The Klamath may be the most rigorous school of hard knocks in the country. The passion, dedication, and wisdom of the colleagues, friends, and mentors I found working on the Klamath inspires everything I do at HAF+WRCF.