Lou’s love of nature grew during her university years in Athens, Ohio, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Ohio University. Set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Athens has a long history of natural resource extraction alongside strong grassroots environmental activism. This setting helped shape Lou’s early interest in ecology and environmental education.

During her undergraduate years, Lou participated in an all-women scholars program that included a trip to Wyoming. The experience introduced her to Teton Science School, where she later returned for graduate school. She spent two years immersed in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, working with students and developing a deep familiarity with the region’s ecology through field-based education and research.

Inspired by her time in Wyoming, Lou continued studying high-elevation ecosystems and pursued doctoral research at Montana State University. She is a tree ecophysiologist studying the physiology of two high-elevation five-needle pines: whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and limber pine (P. flexilis). Her research examines how these species function and persist in challenging mountain environments.

Based in Bozeman, Montana, Lou spends much of her time in the surrounding mountains conducting research and exploring on foot, bike or skis. She is always especially happy to spot one of her favorite trees, the whitebark pine.