Lafayette, Indiana, United States
Troy is a graduate researcher in Ecological Sciences and Engineering with a degree granted from Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. His research interests are in urban ecosystems, climate change, community engagement, and ecosystem services. He is also one of the owners of Flora Candle Company, with an interest in environmental practices, educating individuals, and promoting small business. Troy enjoys engaging with small businesses to help them through their journey of becoming a recognized entity in his downtown community of Lafayette, Indiana.
My research focuses on assessing climate change impacts on urban biomes across the continental United States. Using CMIP6 climate projections, I analyze shifts in temperature, precipitation, wet bulb temperature, and vapor pressure deficit to evaluate future biome classifications under different socio-economic pathways. My work involves spatial analysis, data visualization, and statistical modeling to understand how urban ecosystems may adapt to changing climate conditions. Additionally, I contribute to urban forestry management strategies by identifying climate-resilient species and informing sustainable urban planning decisions.
- Provided a rigorous graduate level course to over 95 undergraduate and graduate students - Facilitated engaging discussions about urban ecology and implications of climate change - Redeveloped lectures, assignments, syllabus, and coursework to promote all forms of learning - Led students through local ecology projects to promote community science - Encouraged engagement between instructor, TAs, and students
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Environmental Engineering Water Lab at Purdue University, I oversaw two other TAs and worked closely with the professor to support nearly 60 students in developing fundamental water lab skills. I facilitated lab sessions, provided hands-on demonstrations, and guided students through experiments, data analysis, and report writing. Additionally, I ensured lab safety protocols were followed, helped troubleshoot technical issues, and provided constructive feedback to enhance student learning. My role also involved coordinating with the instructional team to streamline lab operations and ensure students successfully met course objectives.
Volunteering to help shape improvements to existing facilities, plan future projects, and promote safety and accessibility for cyclists, pedestrians, and runners in Lafayette.
As a founding and active board member of the DLBOA, I help guide the vision and growth of a dynamic organization dedicated to revitalizing and supporting the downtown Lafayette business community. I collaborate closely with local business owners, community partners, and civic organizations to foster economic development, establish inclusive events, and increase the visibility of downtown Lafayette as a destination for residents and visitors.
I am one of the proud owners of a local small business that is all about crafting 100% soy candles and positively impacting the environment. With great care and attention, we curate a wide range of candles, each carefully handcrafted to ensure the utmost quality. Our unwavering commitment to supporting local Midwest small businesses sets us apart, as we source all our materials exclusively from them. Through our products, we strive to promote sustainability and raise awareness about environmental consciousness. Furthermore, I am one of the leaders of the Lafayette Downtown Business Owners meetings. My position with this meeting requires me to prepare and run the meetings efficiently, scribe meeting minutes, and create a newsletter with the meetings' details.
At MSA Professional Services, Inc., I analyzed, developed and designed wastewater treatment facilities at small and large scales. Working with the engineers at MSA allowed me to develop the necessary skills to be a wastewater engineer, such as problem-solving, leadership, responsibility, reliability, data analysis and many other skills. In the wastewater world, there are plenty of opportunities to work with different engineering fields, which exposed me to learning the different ways to process and pursue ideas for solving problems.
At MSA Professional Services, Inc., I analyzed, developed and designed wastewater treatment facilities at small and large scales. Working with the engineers at MSA allowed me to develop the necessary skills to be a wastewater engineer, such as problem-solving, leadership, responsibility, reliability, data analysis and many other skills. In the wastewater world, there are plenty of opportunities to work with different engineering fields, which exposed me to learning the different ways to process and pursue ideas for solving problems.