Community-based and natural science research has high importance and value and I believe that WMS should continue to share and grow in the Wisconsin naturalist tradition. In the past I've worked with and volunteered for the WI DNR to study native habitat restoration and watershed quality effects which led to my love of the biological sciences and education in biochemistry. Since then I've been fortunate to work on NIH-funded research on many topics centered around genetics and human disease. I believe that my strong background in science, genetic sequencing, and interest in the study and preservation of Wisconsin's ecology would complement the goals and vision of the Wisconsin Mycological Society and it’s members. I hope that, if elected to join the board, I'm able to use my skills specifically on the science committee to provide support on the sequencing and identification of fungal species.