Tara grew up on a Midwestern farm and discovered a passion for environmentalism at a young age. This, combined with her love of adventure, led her west after high school in search of new opportunities. She earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University and spent the next several years living and working in mountain communities from Teton Valley, ID, to Seward, AK.

Tara also spent two years in Norway exploring coastal mountains and studying marine plastic debris. She holds a Master of Science degree in Molecular Environmental Biology from the University of Tromsø. Her goal is to combine her science background and problem-solving skills to make a meaningful contribution toward a sustainable future.

Outside of work, she enjoys climbing sandstone and skiing powder, loves books, bikes, and bluegrass, and making a home with her husband and daughter.