In teaching Environmental Conflict Resolution, I strive to support students while they explore
their own individual responses to conflict, develop their communication strengths, deepen their
sense of empathy and understanding of others, and develop solutions that attend to natural
resource issues and human communities alike. I aim to provide students with exposure to
current issues facing the local community through guest lectures, multi-media presentations,
and in-depth projects. Students can expect to spend plentiful time in the classroom interacting
with one another, discussing and analyzing real-world environmental issues, and practicing
facilitation and leadership skills. My related interests include land use planning, community
engagement, fostering constructive community dialogue, and addressing racialized inequities as
a necessity to develop positive outcomes for our shared future.

My path has been a little different from most people who find themselves teaching at the
university level. I earned my B.A. degree in Florida, then moved across the country and changed
directions to work in watershed science as an AmeriCorps National Service member beginning
in 2006. I worked in Humboldt County as a natural resources-focused planner from 2007-2022,
have a background in fisheries and watershed restoration-related fieldwork, have served on
local environmental organizations’ boards, and serve as a local elected official. I am also a
current member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, where I am responsible for supporting a
mission of pollution prevention and all-hazards disaster response. I bring a depth of experience
as a natural resources management practitioner and decision-maker to the classroom. I
consider the classroom a learning environment equally for my students and myself, and love
teaching this class, which brings together many of my interests.

I am a proud Latina of Puerto Rican descent. I served for one year on the Environmental Science
and Management Department’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) committee. I have
a strong interest in supporting inclusion within the environmental field!