ABOUT
I’m a scientist, higher education leader, and organizational strategist whose work sits at the intersection of research, education, leadership, innovation, and public impact. Across a career spanning research universities, liberal arts colleges, federal science agencies, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, I’ve worked to strengthen institutions, expand opportunity, develop leadership capacity, and connect ideas with applied impact.
My background in geochemistry and environmental systems continues to shape how I approach leadership: analytically, collaboratively, and with a bias toward evidence, systems thinking, and practical judgment. Whether leading academic institutions, supporting research and entrepreneurship, advising on leadership and talent, or writing about higher education and organizational change, I’m most drawn to work that connects people, systems, and ideas in ways that create meaningful and durable progress.
What Continues to Draw Me to This Work
I began my career as a scientist and faculty member, drawn to research, discovery, teaching, and the chance to work alongside students as they developed confidence, curiosity, and direction. Over time, I became increasingly interested not only in individual research questions, but also in the systems, structures, leadership choices, and institutional decisions that determine whether students, faculty, staff, and ideas can thrive.
That interest gradually moved my work from the laboratory and classroom into broader institutional leadership. What has remained constant is a belief in the transformative potential of higher education and research — for individual students, yes, but also for communities, public problem-solving, innovation, and social and economic opportunity.
My background as a scientist continues to shape how I approach leadership and organizational work. I am most comfortable close to the substance of a challenge: looking carefully at data and systems, asking difficult questions, understanding how pieces connect, and helping people find practical and meaningful paths forward.
Across research universities, liberal arts colleges, federal science agencies, nonprofit innovation organizations, and advisory work, I am consistently drawn to environments where interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration, leadership, and public impact intersect. That throughline continues to shape my work today.
Let’s Connect
I welcome conversations about higher education leadership, institutional strategy, governance, leadership and talent, student success, research translation, innovation, blue economy work, writing, speaking, and board service. I’m always interested in thoughtful work with people and organizations trying to connect ideas with action, strengthen institutions, and create meaningful public value.