My graduate work is focused on how educators can use informal spaces to help foster identity development and curiosity, while teaching meaningful and equitable STEM. I desire to uncover ways to make informal spaces more diverse and equitable sites of learning while leaning on the built in freedoms they hold. What is your academic and teaching background? After graduating from the University of Oregon with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Sociology I moved to Maine and started my official journey as an informal educator. I have gained experiences teaching all over the United States to various age groups ranging from pre-K to retirement and in a variety of contexts ranging from on a boat to in a classroom. No matter who or where I am teaching my number one goal is to get people excited to learn and passionate about their surroundings. Why are you involved in this grant? Ever since I was a kid, I have been passionate about learning outdoors. Being a part of TSO-UP gives me an opportunity to work directly with the teachers that are making big impacts on kids' lives, and I get help provide the support needed for teaching to be able to happen outdoors. What is your favorite urban plant or animal? This is only my second year in Michigan, and the black squirrels still shock me! I used to hate squirrels but the variety out here in Michigan is making me appreciate them a lot more than I could have predicted