I moved to North Carolina in 1985 to learn about trees from Dr. JC Raulston at North Carolina State University. I was a Lecturer and Curator there, an Instructor at Duke University, and an Arborist at the University of North Carolina. I have taught, lived, and learned in 29 countries. Running a marathon in 48 states developed stamina, and appreciation for every corner of this great land. I’ve lived in Durham with my partner Karen since 2015.
As a working arborist, I delivered tree health care, support systems, and pruning to improve tree health, stability, and longevity. I developed a series called Detective Dendro, and wrote 34 episodes. I review and edit publications, and participate in committees that develop tree care standards. Committee work taught me to listen, stand firm when I am right, and concede when I need to learn. That experience qualifies me to review, amend, and help write laws.
As a consulting arborist, I specify and achieve tree preservation plans, manage pests and beneficial wildlife, and calculate tree value and defend trees in court, write and review reports on tree conditions. I conduct forensic examinations and defend the rights of people who lose their trees.
As an educator, I tutored at-risk middle-schoolers in groups, breaking through the one-on-one limitation. I taught high-schoolers ecology, botany, and journalism. I teach arborists advanced tree care, driving the lessons home with PuppetTREE entertainment. In all my work, I try to model reasoning that differentiates junk from science and subjective misinformation from objective truth.
As your Representative, I will apply my experience to grow prosperity and stability for people in District 4 of North Carolina, and the USA.