I'll never forget being an intimidated outsider walking into these communities, but once folks realized I was there to talk marula, they were welcoming and keen to teach me.

I am deeply grateful to the communities who welcomed us, to all participants, and to the partners who made it possible.

Thrilled to share the first data chapter publication from my dissertation.

We share perspectives from people who rely on and value marula in their daily lives—framing marula not just as a species worth saving, but as something tied to culture, livelihoods, and identity.

tinyurl.com/5e6kfz2b

dwight schrute from the office is wearing glasses and a suit and tie . ALT: dwight schrute from the office is wearing glasses and a suit and tie .

Today was a big day for me.

My first first-author data publication was accepted.

Can't wait to share it with everyone once it's fully released!

#science #scicomm #ecology #ntfp #conservation #marula #culturalkeystonespecies

While 2025 wasn't great in many, many ways, *gestures broadly*, it was a big year for me personally.

Tonight, I'm ringing in the new year surrounded by good friends and family and jammin' to the best tunes.

I hope you can find peace and relaxation as we roll through this transition period!

a close up of a man in a suit and tie with a sad look on his face . ALT: a close up of a man in a suit and tie with a sad look on his face .

Thank you!

Any idea when it starts to feel real?

Thanks so much, but the Tetons do all the work!

This has been a tough year for early career scientists including grad students.

If you had a professional success this year, no matter how small, share it with us so we can celebrate with you!

🧪

6.5 years, a pandemic, and two universities later, I finally finished my doctoral program--something I *never* believed I would be able to accomplish.

Thanks so much for saying that.

The mountains do all the work!

They are breathtaking. Like something out of a video game!

What were some of your favorite moments of 2025 or things you're grateful happened in 2025?

-I finally finished my PhD

-moving back home allowed me to reconnect with old friends and reconnect those old friends.

-I've been able to spend lots of time with my niece

2025 wasn't great, but we tried.

Honorable mentions here:

Thank you! Grateful for another year.

My favorite #wildlife encounter of 2025: mom and adolescent young grizzly bear in #YellowstoneNationalPark.

#photography
#wildlifephotography
#grizzlybear
#Yellowstone

My top shot of 2025: taken in #GrandTetonNationalPark

#photography
#landscapephotography
#mountains
#Tetons

The real date is in a few days, but today.. is Chris' Birthday Boy Bash and Party Pallooza!

a close up of a white cat with its mouth wide open ALT: a close up of a white cat with its mouth wide open

Vibes.

View through pines and bare trees to the river below and the forest beyond. The sky is a light blue with clouds, and snow blankets the ground on either side of the river.

Snow-covered bridge across a river edged by pines and other trees. There are wooden railings on either side of the bridge. Footsteps and cross-country ski tracks can be seen in the snow.

Bright blue sky and clouds appear through the trees. One large birch leans to the right of the picture. Snow covers the ground.

Sun setting through pine trees, which stand at the edge of a snow-covered path.

Christmas walk in the woods. 🌲❄️

a cartoon character is standing in the desert and says `` you 're pathetic '' . ALT: a cartoon character is standing in the desert and says `` you 're pathetic '' .

My instagram algorithm has been infiltrated by people who've recorded themselves crying.

I do not like this.

a man with glasses and a mustache is wearing a vest that says " feeling productive today " ALT: a man with glasses and a mustache is wearing a vest that says " feeling productive today "

Submitting my dissertation chapters to journals left and right like *ZIP//ZOP*.

a hello kitty shaped balloon is flying through the air ALT: a hello kitty shaped balloon is flying through the air

Struggling to get into the holiday vibe this year...

Just me?

How are you people doing?

a bowl of noodles with meat and eggs on a table ALT: a bowl of noodles with meat and eggs on a table

Craving an Asian soup.

Cats and coffee >>>>>

The Brits do brunch right.

Definitely skipping the next feeding...look how fat my frowgs are!

Hate to cliche myself, but submitting my chapters to journals also "doesn't feel real".

I'm incredibly proud of the work our group put into my dissertation research--but it blows me away that "I" might have done something that other people care about or that may have impact.

#Academia
#scicomm

What are some things that you WISH you learned during your PhD that help you as an early career researcher?

#academia
#AcademicLife

Fitting.