I am currently an Assistant Professor in the department of Human Development and Family Science at the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University. I also serve as the Associate Director of the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University.

I earned my Ph.D. in Human-Animal Interaction at Purdue University, my M.S. (Communication) and my B.S. (Animal Science) at North Carolina State University. My research explores human-animal interactions from a multi-modal biopsychosocial approach. I am passionate about understanding how we can partner with animals to create effective interventions for the benefit of both the people and the animals involved.

Outside of my academic career, I am an equine specialist for equine assisted services and sit on the board of directors for multiple equine assisted services programs. I have a special interest in connecting research with practice.