I am an associate professor at Mississippi State University and became the director of the geoscience distance learning programs in 2012. I am originally from the Lehigh Valley in eastern PA. I got my BS in Social Studies Education with a minor in Geography at Mansfield University in Northern PA. Weather and Climate was my favorite class, so I came to MSU to get a MS in Broadcast Meteorology. Deciding that career wasn't for me, I went on to get my PhD in Geography from Florida State. I studied the role of the local TV weathercaster in the actions people take during severe weather.

My current research interests include the decisions people make during hazardous weather and their use of weather information to help them decide. I am also interested in issues related to companion animals during hazardous weather. Finally, some of my research examines ways to enhance diversity in geoscience majors and careers.

Some of my favorite things are dogs, classic cars, and food. When we have a chance, I like to go to car and dog shows.