About Me

I'm a marine scientist and illustrator based in Washington DC. Growing up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, Canada, I have always loved spending time outdoors in nature. This led to my passion for studying biology and capturing the biodiversity of life through art. I'm especially passionate about wildlife conservation, environmental justice, and advocating for protection of ecosystems and species facing climate change threats - both to preserve the natural world and to sustain communities that rely on them. As a scientist who strives to find solutions to environmental problems through research and policy, I believe art is actually one of the most powerful storytelling tools to connect us with nature and with each other.

My artwork is inspired by nature and the biodiversity of life, as well as elements of my Asian-American heritage and culture, including anime, video games, and all things cute. I use a variety of media - ink, colored pencils, watercolors, and digital - and I strive to tell stories of ecology and natural wonder, exploring the connections between wildlife, people, and the environment. My illustrations have been featured in various publications like the Columbia Science Review, Sapient Journal of Biological Anthropology, and the eno Environmental Art and Literature magazine. Check out the links to some published drawings below!

Currently, I work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  I have a Master in Environmental Management from Duke University, where I studied coastal ecology and policy. Some of my past research includes restoring river herring migration in the Chesapeake Bay, studying bottlenose dolphin population genetics, and assessing the effectiveness of education for marine conservation in tropical countries. I studied Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Environmental Science at Columbia University, and previously worked as a scientist at Earthjustice, the Smithsonian, and Oceana. Besides research and art, I enjoy playing music (piano, taiko drumming, electric guitar), running and cycling around D.C., and trying out new foods!