Hi! I'm a graduate student originally from Southeast Indiana/Southwest Ohio currently based in Toronto. I study positive interactions between foundational cactus species (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa) and vertebrates in the American Southwest. I'm particularly interested in cactus-bird interactions at different cactus phenological stages (so when the cactus is flowering and fruiting), and how these interactions help the cactus reproduce and disperse. I'm also super passionate about the intersection between science, conservation, & social justice and care deeply about effective science communication and advocacy. Woo!

You can follow me on instragram (@malopup) and twitter (@maloryowen) for desert, research, and conservation content, as well as a peak into the life of a frantic grad student
:)