I prioritize a hands-on approach to education and strive to cultivate a positive, welcoming environment for students. Central to this approach is a specimen- and inquiry-based mentoring philosophy, in which collections serve as both a teaching tool and a catalyst for discovery. My overarching goal is to use natural history collections to inspire curiosity, foster collaboration, and support the development of independent, critically thinking scientists. I emphasize a growth-mindset culture that empowers students to overcome challenges and persist through graduate school and into their future careers. At the same time, I believe that science is strongest when it is accessible, inclusive, and collaborative. Accordingly, I work to promote these values by fostering equitable, supportive research communities and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.

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These principles have guided my teaching for more than 13 years, during which I have taught hundreds of students in both formal and informal roles. In addition to serving as a teaching assistant during my undergraduate and graduate training, I have been an instructor of record for a scientific communication course (UNM BioBlog; 6 years) and for two graduate seminars: Advanced R (2019) and Graduate Student Professional Development (2020).​ The Advanced R seminar emphasized peer-led learning and collaboration as students taught one another complex analytical approaches, while the professional development course was designed to address a gap in formal career training within our department. I also prioritize leading workshops aimed to improve soft skills necessary for success in academia, such as the ‘Data to Design: Scientific graphics in ggplot2 and Adobe Illustrator’ workshop for graduate students at the University of Kentucky in March 2025. In August 2026, I plan to expand this workshop for conference attendees at the American Ornithological Society meeting.