About Me

I am a wildlife ecologist broadly interested in studying anthropogenic impacts on plant and animal communities, with a special interest in herpetofauna. Specifically, I am interested in the spread of invasive species and other human-mediated changes to the environment, such as fragmentation and urbanization, and their potential to impact native communities. My previous research experiences highlight my interest in applied ecology and wildlife and habitat management.

Education

• Ph.D. student Virginia Tech, current
  • Dissertation: Understanding invasion of stream restoration projects and the resulting impacts to the soundscape
  • Advisors: Dr. Jacob N. Barney, Dr. J. Leighton Reid
• M.Sc. Mississippi State University, 2022
  • Thesis: Vegetation and nutritional changes over 20 years of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) exclusion
  • Advisor: Dr. Raymond B. Iglay
• B.Sc. Auburn University, 2020
  • Undergraduate research fellowship: Determining the effect of Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) invasion on the occurrence of ground-dwelling herpetofauna species
  • Mentor: Dr. Christopher J. Anderson

Current CV

Ripa CV
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In the news

Invasive plants, restoration, and the soundscapes of urban streams (July 30, 2026)
Tracking invasive plant species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed (July 2, 2024)
Sounds in nature reveal clues to the impacts of invasive species (May 30, 2024)
Invasive species sound off about impending ecosystem changes (April 17, 2024)

Awards

Kriton Hatzios Weed Scholarship recipient, 2024-25 school year, Virginia Tech
Chester and Betty Foy Scholarship recipient, 2023-24 school year, Virginia Tech
University Honors Scholar, Auburn University
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences President's Award, Auburn University
Spring 2020 School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Graduation Student Marshal, Auburn University​

All photos used in this website are my artistic property.