From growing up in eastern Nebraska, I have always been interested in the relationship between wildlife and agriculture. My first field research experience at the University of Nebraska involved nest survival of songbirds on conventional and organic farms. After graduating, I moved to Texas to pursue a M.S. in wildlife biology. My research there examined nest survival and predation of White-tipped Doves (a south Texas gamebird) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley along the U.S. - Mexico border. I have also been heavily involved with projects on Mourning Doves, White-winged Doves, Northern Bobwhite, Green Jays, and Clay-colored Thrush. I have enjoyed presenting this research at several regional, national, and international wildlife conferences. In Texas, I spent time as an adjunct faculty member at Tarleton State University teaching Wildlife Conservation and Management for non-majors. I have also taught lab sections of GIS and Wildlife Management Techniques.