I am an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Southern Illinois University where I specialize in environmental communication with a particular focus on performance and arts-based environmental advocacy. I am an amateur naturalist and all around nature nut. I paint, sketch, and photograph the natural world around me, preferring plain are and field sketches. I am also a "Beloved Puppetist," helping local community members craft animal puppets put of recycled materials for the "All Species Puppet Parade" on Earth Day.