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 seeking new opportunities. She graduated with a B.S. degree 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. She spent two years in Norway exploring coastal mountains and studying marine plastic debris, and holds a Master of Science degree in Molecular Environmental Biology from The University of Tromsø. Her goal is to combine her science background with problem solving skills to make a meaningful contribution to ensuring a sustainable future. Outside of work, she enjoys climbing sandstone and skiing powder with her husband, likes books, bikes and bluegrass, and looks forward to making a home in the Roaring Fork Valley.