I have interests in vegetation dynamics and forest ecology. My Ph.D. research used dendroecological techniques to understand radial-growth responses of trees growing near and around canopy gaps in old forests of coastal British Columbia. I was very lucky to work in this unique and often soggy environment! I received my Master's degree in Geography from Northern Illinois University under the direction of Dr. Lesley Rigg. My thesis project examined the effects of prescribed fire on restoration of a white oak woodland in northeastern Illinois. Like my Master's research, I hope my Ph.D. work will be useful in an applied sense, particularly for the sustainable management of BC's coastal forests.