Hi, I'm Jess!I am both an ecologist and a museum professional fascinated by biodiversity, and my research aims to uncover patterns driving its decline. I completed my PhD in Biology at the University of California, San Diego, in June 2026 under the supervision of Dr. David Holway, and I hold an MS in Museum and Field Studies from the University of Colorado. My dissertation examined how two major drivers of biodiversity loss—land-use change and climate change—affect wild bees at both community and species levels. This work both draws on and contributes to natural history collections, strengthening their value for understanding long-term ecological change.
To put my research into conservation action, I serve on the review committee for extinction risk assessments for the bees of the Pacific Southwest as part of the Xerces Society-led State of the Bees Initiative. I currently serve as the Founding President of the California Native Bee Society, where we work to promote the awareness and appreciation of native bees in one of the most bee-diverse regions in the United States. Our efforts include organizing monthly meetings and bioblitzes to document and celebrate bee diversity around the state. I am also interested in the role of community science in advancing biodiversity research and public engagement in conservation research. I co-lead "The WannaBees," a community science group at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve that uses the iNaturalist platform to inventory and monitor bees there. In addition, I contribute to bee identification efforts on iNaturalist. Updated July 2026
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