Forestry and Natural Resources
Extension Prescribed Fire Specialist
Why Extension?
Tell us about your background?
I was born and raised in Logansport, Indiana and spent most of my childhood playing in the woods, canoeing on local rivers, and riding my horse at Tippecanoe River State Park. I went to IU to study Biology, and after working as a tech for the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment, decided to pursue an MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Management at Penn State. Since then, I’ve worked in various roles doing private lands work, nature preserves management, and research.
How did you come to work with prescribed fire?
My first experience with prescribed fire was helping study it as a tech for the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) back in 2015. I installed research equipment to monitor some of the first burns on the project and was present for the fires. I was immediately fascinated by its impacts on the forest.
As a Farm Bill Biologist, I helped landowners write burn plans for their properties and assisted with burn workshops. Then I was back on the HEE, actively participating in multiple woodland burns. As the Field Coordinator, I got much more involved in choosing the days to burn and actually implementing the fire.
I took those skills to the Indiana DNR, where I planned and led burns on the nature preserves I managed and monitored the impacts on rare and endangered plant species. Pretty soon, it was my favorite part of the job, so accepting a position more focused on fire was a no-brainer.
How did you get involved with FNR Extension and outreach?
I first became involved with FNR Extension and outreach as the HEE Field Coordinator. I produced a series of videos about the project, established a social media presence, and participated in an Ask an Expert session. I have always particularly enjoyed doing outreach centered around fire, so I was eager to return to FNR as the new Prescribed Fire Extension Specialist.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really enjoy teaching people how to conduct prescribed fires. In previous roles, I mentored multiple people through their first fires. Fire can be intimidating, so it’s important to make sure people have the tools and knowledge to implement it safely and effectively. It’s deeply rewarding to watch someone become more skilled and confident as they gain experience.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your job?
Since this is a brand new role, I think the biggest challenge will be gaining momentum in expanding prescribed fire capacity in Indiana. There are a lot of barriers to overcome in getting more fire on the ground, but I think once we overcome the first few, we’ll be well on our way to making fire part of life for Hoosiers again.
What part of your job did you least expect to be doing?
I have already learned more about website page design than I ever expected.
Do you have an outside hobby?
I spend most of my free time biking, kayaking, gardening, and knitting.
Purdue University - Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources
