I was born and raised in Southern California and currently reside in Los Angeles. I received my B.S. degree in biology from San Diego State University, and my M.S. degree in marine ecology from California State University, Northridge. I have worked in the marine ecology field since 2002, and am currently a research biologist and Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Los Angeles. 

​

I took up photography more seriously in 2005 as a way to share my travels and expeditions of locations few have seen, and which always seem difficult to explain with words. The thought of traveling to areas of this world that rarely see footprints fascinates me. These are the adventures that not only provide moments to capture amazing images, but also broaden ones mind and pushes their limitations.

 

My focus for the next few years is to finish my Ph.D. research, which focuses on the topics of estuarine ecology, ichthyology, and conservation biology. Specifically, I am interested in various ecological questions that relate to the recovery and management of threatened and endangered species that inhabit California coastal estuaries and lagoons. Photography allows me communicate my research to a broader audience, and provides a powerful tool in promoting conservation and sustainability.