A broad education in the arts & humanities prior to moving into STEM informs how I approach scientific research & communication. In the absence of post-baccalaureate bridge programs in plant science, I supplemented my community college work on general STEM prerequisites with an autodidact project on Ceratonia siliqua (carob) that continues in my spare time. My Masters project is a study of dormant almond vegetative bud development.

I founded UC Access Now and developed workshops & panels on how to dismantle ableism in academia and in STEM. I continue to do public speaking, organize panels, workshops, & events, and consult on accessibility and anti-ableism in academia/STEM.