New Job in 2020

A lot has happened in 2020. In all the chaos and confusion, I haven't had a chance to share about my new position. This past January I relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to start as a postdoctoral researcher and lab manager for the Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science (LSUMNS). Understandably, I was (and still am!) really excited about this job and the opportunities it offers for me to delve deeply into museum-based natural history research, which is the direction a lot of my work has headed since the end of grad school. However, my research and training has slowed down since COVID as it has for many. Right now, I would have been preparing for my first museum collecting trip in Peru! Additionally, outrage surrounding the unjust deaths of Black people has hampered my normal productivity. It is the hardest thing in my life to continue to feel like I am unsafe no matter where in the world I go, especially my own home, just because I happen to be Black. Things are hard, but as always I fight to keep going. I'm hoping you are all well, staying sane and coping with the effects of the pandemic, racial tensions and the various difficulties we are inevitably confronted with. For as long as I am capable, I'll be getting back to nature through research and adventure.

Laying down the law leading my first lab meeting

A sample of what I see on my bike route to work

The wildlife in Louisiana has not disappointed so far!