Katie is originally from:
I-95! My dad was in the Navy so my family yo-yoed up and down the east coast: Massachusetts, Connecticut (x3), Virginia (x3), South Carolina (x3).
Favorite ecosystem:
One ecosystem that I think is really unique are coastal shell middens and shell rings – basically huge piles of oyster and or clam shells that were created by prehistoric people thousands of years ago. One near Charleston that is easily accessible is the Sewee Shell Ring, which has a shell mound that is about 225 feet across and 3-10 feet high. As the shells have weathered over time, they create a calcium-rich soil that creates a rare habitat – the maritime shell forest – which includes calcium loving species like red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), mottled trillium (Trillium maculatum), southern sugar maple (Acer floridanum), and even a terrestrial orchid (crested coral-root, Hexalectris spicata). These areas challenge my perception of what is a “natural” or “native plant” ecosystem, reminding me that humans have a history of fostering biodiversity, whether through controlled fires or piles of shells.
Favorite things to do when not working:
Kayaking, yoga, gardening, botanizing walks, watching birds at feeders at my house.
Role model:
I don’t have a single role model – I aspire to emulate different characteristics I admire in friends and family (patience, generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness).
Childhood career ambition:
I have always loved dirt, water, and plants; and my mom likes to tell stories about how I would talk to trees when I was little. When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a lot of things (teacher, Olympic athlete, fashion designer), but in middle school I started to feel more of a pull to something related to natural resources (marine biologist, park ranger, landscape designer).
Favorite book or film:
I love Jane Austen’s books and film adaptations – I will never get tired of rereading/rewatching.
Music that instantly puts Katie in a good mood:
Tech Triumph, Hokie Pokie, and Enter Sandman – as a Virginia Tech grad, these always bring a smile to my face (and initiate choreographed dance moves!).
If Katie could have a super power, it would be:
The ability to manipulate time – get some extra time when there are a lot of things I want to do, slow down to savor special moments, and time travel (mainly into the past to be with loved ones, like my kids when they were babies or my dad when he was still alive).
Pets:
I have two dogs: Bean (1 year old, black and white mixed breed) and Piper (4 year old, black mixed breed) – both were adopted from local rescue organizations. My daughter had her 10th birthday party at the Charleston Animal Society and we came home with Bean afterward! Bean and Piper are goofballs who love to wrestle, snuggle, and give lots of kisses.
Special talent, skill, or passion:
I have been playing French horn since I was in 4th grade – including marching in college at Virginia Tech. Nowadays I dust off the horn primarily around Easter and Christmas to play with a brass ensemble at my church. And when I can, I play for a marching band alumni event (football game) at Virginia Tech.
Most memorable experience in nature:
When I was a freshman in high school, I was selected to be a Student Argonaut with Dr. Robert Ballard’s JASON Project. As part of the experience, I got to join a diverse team of researchers, teachers, and other students in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest for a 10-day expedition. It was a life changing experience! I got to explore the longest canopy walkway in the world & study bromeliads, see bioluminescent fungi, hold huge bugs, learn about ethnobotany from a shaman, excavate a leaf cutter ant colony, make friends with capybaras, and see pink river dolphins swimming underneath a rainbow.
Favorite food to eat or make:
Chocolate!
