Summary
Aurora has spent the majority of her career at the nexus of resource conservation, research, and education. As an undergraduate in geosciences at Skidmore College she had the opportunity to work on NSF funded undergraduate research on paleoclimate leading to a peer-reviewed publication, and kickstarting her interest in research conservation and field ecology. She spent her early career working with federal land management agencies in some of the most special places in the western U.S. including Yellowstone, Mount Rainier, Yosemite and the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho. She completed her M.Ed. at University of Montana in Missoula. Since moving to Reno, she has served as the Director of Operations for the Great Basin Institute's conservation corps program and worked two years as a secondary high school teacher in Washoe County.
As part of the Research Proposal and Development Services team, Aurora manages honorific award nominations, provides proposal management and review, and supports researchers across campus to fund critical and innovative work. She can also provide analysis of the research landscape, help to build relationships and collaborations across disciplines, and facilitate partnerships that enhance broader impacts.
Education
M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction, University of Montana, 2019
B.A. Geoscience, Skidmore College, 2012
Professional certifications
National Organization of Research Development Professionals
Nevada Teaching Credential: Secondary Science