I am an environmental social scientist and human ecologist in the Department of Geography at San Diego State University. My work addresses issues surrounding agroforestry and natural resource management, particularly in East Africa and California. Furthermore, I explore the use of mobile technology in agricultural development and study local perceptions of drought and climate change. I have spent 5 years living and working in East Africa working with international organizations that place an importance on grassroots movements and local participation including the World Agroforestry Centre, Kenya Red Cross Society, Peace Corps Tanzania, and USAID, and I am fluent in Swahili.