Living in rural Ohio is incredibly special. I continue to be struck by the beauty and abundance of the farmland surrounding me, as well as the charm and vibrancy of the small towns nestled within. There is something incredibly special about living in community with neighbors who come together to support one another time and time again. In times of celebration and uplifting, as well as in times of tragedy and need, there is a strength of camaraderie here—a sense that we’re in it together. And that is what drives me to serve as your next State Senator. 

My career as a scientist, researcher and educator is rooted in thinking both critically and creatively to solve problems. I have learned that transparency and maintaining a shared pool of information is foundational to the crucial conversations needed for finding pathways forward that promote inclusion and diversity of thought—collaboration is the most direct way to finding solutions to the challenges we face. 

As a Professor of Biology at the College of Wooster, I have been fortunate to create opportunities to build relationships with the community-at-large. I co-founded a local monthly forum for discussing science-related issues of public interest, now in its 13th year. I produce a podcast aiming to build an understanding of and appreciation for the biology of sex and reproduction. I have worked with numerous animal rescue agencies—even creating programs such as the K9 coach program, which works with recent adopters on common canine behavioral issues to decrease the number of returned dogs. 

Most significantly, I have had the privilege to be a foster parent for Wayne County Children Services. In fact, I adopted my younger son through foster care and continue to serve as a mentor and Board member, serving on the Board’s financial committee. As a foster parent, I have gained first-hand insight into the hardships some of our neighbors are facing—mental health challenges, addiction, under- or unemployment, inability to afford stable housing and a history of incarceration. Like much of the country, our area is under-resourced for people in crisis.

Every day in both my personal and professional life, I work on solving problems that we can do something about. I am sick and tired of politicians attempting to divide us with false choices. Instead, I will use a “Yes, and” mentality. Yes, we can preserve farmland and provide affordable housing. Yes, we can protect the environment and promote job growth. Yes, we can allow people to have guns and prevent gun violence.

I will work to find common ground for the common good of Ohio. We are in this together.