With 20 years of professional expertise in education and 8 years in ecology and wildlife conservation, Erika merges science with daily life, mentoring students through curiosity and collaboration. She’s often found exploring the mountains, deserts, and waterways, enjoying activities like rafting, backpacking, hiking, climbing, canyoneering, and skiing with her family. Erika enjoys creating art and values the similarities the process shares with science in terms of creativity, analysis, observation, and the need for patience and adaptability in execution.