My research interests span several topics in the philosophy of biology and general philosophy of science. Within philosophy of biology, my interests include the conceptual and mathematical foundations of evolutionary theory; evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) and the ‘extended evolutionary synthesis’ (EES); evolutionary accounts of proper function and mental content; and conceptual aspects of scientific practice in developmental biology and neurobiology. Within general philosophy of science, my interests include causal explanation, interpretations of probability, and pragmatist approaches toward a scientific metaphysics and epistemology.
Before coming to Pitt HPS, I earned a B.S. in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University. I also studied notochord development in the Merzdorf lab and completed a two-summer research fellowship through the Society for Developmental Biology’s ‘Choose Development!’ program.