I hold a Master of Public Policy in Environmental Policy from Oregon State University. I worked with Jeff Kline from the USDA Forest Service PNW Research Station. My thesis was titled: "Evaluating the EWEB Model: Institutional Structure as a Determinant of Public Utility Implementation of a Voluntary Landowner Incentive Program." I currently work with Brent S. Steel in the School of Public Policy and the Forests People Fire project at the USDA Forest Service PNW Research Station in Corvallis. I also hold a B.A. in Creative Writing from Grand Valley State University in Michigan.