I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology in May of 2004 from Niagara University in Niagara Falls from NY. Most of my undergraduate work was done in molecular analysis and dissolved oxygen studies in the central basis of Lake Erie. My undergraduate thesis was titled "The Relative Importance of Causal Forces in the Resurgence of the 'Dead Zone", a Region of Low Oxygen in Lake Erie.  I'm originally from NY and moved to Florida to pursue my Masters degree.

I finished my Masters in Science degree here at the University of Florida in May 2007 under Dr. Daniel E. Canfield Jr.  My Masters research was titled “Factors Influencing Partial Pressure Carbon Dioxide Levels in Florida Lakes: pH, Aquatic Macrophytes, and Geology.”